Tensions Rising Between Jalin Hyatt and the Giants?

Coming into the 2023 season, the Giants and their fanbase had high expectations for third-round pick WR Jalin Hyatt. The speedster appeared to offer exactly what New York's offense lacked: a pure deep threat to inject life into one of the league’s least explosive units. Unfortunately, things haven’t unfolded as planned. Hyatt, like the Giants as a whole, struggled during his rookie season, as the team finished 6-11—just one year after making the playoffs. Hyatt recorded a modest 373 yards on 23 catches, though it's unfair to place the blame solely on him, given the offense’s overall struggles.

This season, however, has started off on even rockier ground for Hyatt. Reports circulated that the wide receiver had requested a trade during the offseason, frustrated with his role on the team. Both Hyatt and Head Coach Brian Daboll have since debunked those rumors, with Hyatt labeling the reports a "hit piece" and a complete fabrication.

Despite the denial of trade rumors, the Giants still face a dilemma regarding Hyatt's usage. The team has young depth at wide receiver, and veteran Darius Slayton has taken the lion’s share of snaps that could have gone to Hyatt. So far this season, Hyatt has seen just 27 snaps and has yet to record a catch. Given his game-changing speed, it seems the Giants could benefit from getting the ball into his hands, especially with their current 0-2 record.

With New York facing the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in a matchup of struggling offenses, it might be time for the Giants to involve Hyatt more in the game plan. At this point, it certainly couldn’t hurt.