Jason Leach
It was revealed last week that New York Giants star wide receiver Malik Nabers had a second surgery on his knee to remove scar tissue from his ACL surgery.
The Giants are hopeful that he’ll be ready for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, but it’s far from a guarantee that he will. With his availability for Week 1 in question, they have to entertain the possibility that he begins the season on the PUP list.
The team will be cautious with Nabers, as the goal is to have him back on the field when he’s at 100%. Head coach John Harbaugh and the rest of the Giants brass will closely monitor the health of their star receiver as training camp approaches.
There are a number of directions the franchise can go in if they have to start the year without its best playmaker. Here’s a look at three likely scenarios the team can go with if Nabers is unavailable for the start of the season.
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Sign Odell Beckham Jr
The Giants showed interest in acquiring Odell Beckham Jr before it was revealed that Nabers had a second surgery by bringing him in for a workout. With the possibility of starting the year without their star wideout and with Darius Slayton recovering from core muscle surgery, those interests have certainly heightened.
At 33 years old, Odell Beckham Jr wouldn’t be the number one option on any team, but he’s still a solid route runner with dependable hands, who can be a dependable option for Jaxson Dart. It seems that if OBJ is going to play in 2026, it’s going to be with Big Blue, as he hasn’t been linked with any of the other 31 teams.
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Give current Giants receivers a chance
One of the biggest priorities this offseason for New York was to upgrade the receiver position. They accomplished this in free agency by signing Darnell Money and Calvin Austin III to one-year contracts. Then they traded three draft picks to the Cleveland Browns to move up and draft Malachi Fields with the 74th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Although none of them would be considered a true number one option of a passing game, the collection of them, along with tight end Isaiah Likely, will be enough to keep the passing offense afloat until the Pro Bowl wideout is able to play.
Sign Deebo Samuel
The New York Giants offense will be the most physical unit this season with the addition of 300-pound fullback Patrick Ricard. Ricard will pave running lanes for Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Jr. In addition, he’ll make them one of the most efficient teams in short-yardage situations.
But the team can add a physical presence on the outside if they sign free agent wideout Deebo Samuel. Samuel played last season with the Washington Commanders and had 72 receptions for 727 receiving yards, with five touchdowns.
Samuel’s best attributes have been his versatility, his runs after catch, and his ability to break tackles. Although he’s 30 years old and has lost a step, the six-foot, 215-pound receiver would make the offense even more physical than it currently is. If Harbaugh wants to add another physical playmaker, Samuel would be an excellent option.
