Former NFL Pro Bowler may have just sealed Jalin Hyatt’s fate with the New York Giants
Former Tennessee Vols star wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has struggled to receive opportunities during his first three seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants. Hyatt was a third round selection by New York in 2023.
Some recent NFL news sounds like a bad development for former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, but it may actually be the best thing that could happen to the South Carolina native’s football career.
Hyatt, a third round selection by the New York Giants in the 2023 NFL Draft, has struggled to receive opportunities in The Big Apple.
The former Tennessee standout showed promise as a rookie in 2023, catching 23 passes for 373 yards.
Hyatt, however, has caught just 13 passes on 33 targets for 97 yards over the last two seasons.
A lot of fans and analysts have thrown around the word “bust” with Hyatt. I suppose that’s fair given the lack of production, but it’s important to note that he hasn’t exactly received ample opportunities over the last two seasons. It’s tough to get into a rhythm when you’re not getting consistent playing time.
Fortunately for Hyatt, his time in New York may soon be coming to an end.
The Giants appear close to signing Odell Beckham Jr
The Giants are showing interest in free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, a three-time Pro Bowler who spent the first five seasons of his career with New York.
Beckham is 33, and he hasn’t played in the NFL since 2024, but he’s a veteran who knows the league well. And if he re-joins the Giants, it will push Hyatt further down the depth chart, and very likely out of New York.
Interestingly, Beckham gave Hyatt his blessing in 2023 to wear his old No. 13.
Hyatt clearly needs a fresh start. Maybe signing Beckham would finally lead to Hyatt getting released by the Giants, so he can find a better situation elsewhere.
I don’t know how Hyatt would fare in a better situation, but at least he’d get a legitimate chance to show that he can be dependable wide receiver in the NFL.