The New York Giants have a lot riding on quarterback Russell Wilson reverting to form, and the passing game lighting up scoreboards this fall.
After all, both head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen’s jobs are on the line, and there is significant pressure from owner John Mara for New York to make major strides this season.
So, trotting Wilson out onto the field with one proven playmaker at wide receiver, in Malik Nabers, on the heels of the 36-year-old losing five straight games with the Pittsburgh Steelers to end last season while tossing six touchdowns to two interceptions over that stretch may be more of gamble than a plan.
However, while the Giants have high expectations for third-year wide receiver Jalin Hyatt making big strides, signing a veteran such as Keenan Allen to round out a receiving corps filled with question marks could have major upside.
Allen, 33, played out the final year of his $80 million contract last season, catching 70 passes for 744 yards and seven touchdowns, which would have tied him with Nabers for the Giants’ team-high in touchdowns in 2024.
Signing Allen would, at minimum, create competition with Darius Slayton as the Giants’ No. 3 wide receiver and provide added veteran depth for a group that’s banking on Wan’Dale Robinson and Hyatt making big strides.
It’s unclear whether Allen would sign onto an offense, and a team, that feels several pieces away from legitimately contending. But, the opportunity to catch passes from Wilson, who thrives in the vertical passing game could be an alluring match for the 12-year veteran with 66 career touchdown receptions.
What Keenan Allen Would Bring the Giants’ Offense
Quinn Harris | Getty Keenan Allen could be an ideal fit for the New York Giants, to add a veteran pass catcher for Russell Wilson or Jaxson Dart.
Beyond creating competition for young rising players at receiver, Allen could be the kind of reliable receiver the Giants need both to elevate Russell Wilson, and perhaps have on the field if Jaxson Dart sees meaningful paying time in 2025.
According to Pro Football Focus, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams posted a strong 98.4 passer rating when targeting Allen, who finished with the outlet’s 63rd-highest receiving grade, despite playing in a system that lacked much of an identity for much of the season.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz points out that some of Allen’s lack of production may have been a byproduct of the situation he found himself in.
“He did poorly in ESPN’s receiver tracking metrics last season but still got open, as indicated by his 57 open score,” Schatz writes of Allen.
If the Giants eventually do play Dart, and Robinson or Hyatt fail to take big strides this season, Allen’s presence could become a bit of a security blanket, after he averaged a 10.1 yards depth per target in 2024 and could be the kind of receiver who could build the No. 25 overall pick’s confidence.
Whether it’s a move made to add quality depth at receiver to make a push with Wilson or setting Dart up with a reliable pass catcher if he sees any meaningful action in 2025, Allen could be an intriguing name to watch for the Giants in the weeks ahead.
Tyrone Tracy’s One-Word Goal for 2025 Season
Kevin C. Cox | GettyRunning back Tyrone Tracy figures to play a marquee role in the New York Giants’ offense in 2025.
Giants running back Tyrone Tracy looks to continue running out of the shadow cast by defending NFL Offensive Player of The Year, Saquon Barkley, as the former Giants running back sets sights on a second Lombardi Trophy in as many seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, Tracy figures to play a marquee role for New York’s offense, alongside incoming rookie Cam Skattebo.
As the 25-year-old looks ahead to his second NFL season, he has a one-word personal mission for the 2025 campaign.
“Dominate,” Tracy said, during an appearance on Good Morning Football.
Regardless of how the Giants’ passing game takes shape, Tracy looks to lead the charge for the Giants on the ground and build on a solid rookie season, in which he rushed for 839 yards and five touchdowns.
Behind a revamped offensive line, Tracy thinks he can make a major leap in the season ahead.
“I think that the best thing that I can do is dominate where I was last year,” Tracy said. “And then, shoot, try to multiply that this year. Last year, I had 800 (rushing yards). This year, I need to go for (1,500 yards). … Wherever I was last year was last year. It don’t matter. It’s a new year.”
Giants Should Consider signing 66-Touchdown WR to Boost Russell Wilson