Though Sterling Shepard will continue to improve, the New York Giants will need to add a third receiver to take pressure off Odell Beckham Jr.
New York Giants‘ receiver Sterling Shepard could one day develop into a top-15 wide receiver in the National Football Lague. The Oklahoma product has impressed many during his rookie campaign in the league.
However, with Victor Cruz’s skill set on the decline, the Giants will need to add a third compliment to Shepard and star Odell Beckham Jr.
Here are several veteran options that could be available for New York to take a flyer on during the 2017 offseason.
Terrance Williams, Dallas Cowboys
Though Terrance Williams posted a career low 594 receiving yards with the Dallas Cowboys in 2016, he was a reliable target when he did get the ball thrown his way.
Williams caught 44 of 61 targets, (72.1%) good for the twelfth highest percentage among receivers who were targeted over 20 times. He also added four scores to his season stat line.
Williams fits exactly what the Giants will be looking for, an outside receiver who can be a consistent third option in the offense.
Playing opposite star Dez Bryant with Cole Beasley as the second option in the slot, he has experience with the sort of personal set up he would see in New York.
With Beckham entrenched as the star on one side and Shepard the future in the slot, Williams slides perfectly into the same role he played successfully in Dallas.
At age 27 and coming off a mediocre statistical season, Williams won’t command much money on the open market.
Around $2 million annually would probably be all it would take to nab the former 2013 third round selection. New York likely wouldn’t have to invest much to get the capable pass catcher, making it a low risk-high reward move.
Brandon LaFell, Cincinnati Bengals
When healthy and given solid quarterback play, Brandon Lafell can be an incredibly productive addition to an offense.
From 2011-2013 he posted an average of 639 yards and four touchdowns per season while catching passes from a developing Cam Newton with the Carolina Panthers. While those were respectable totals, LaFell has taken a huge leap since his departure.
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He’s been a solid contributor as a member of the New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals the past three years. The LSU product has had the help of top tier passers like Tom Brady and Andy Dalton to thank for his sudden development.
During his first year with New England in 2014, LaFell caught 74 passes for career highs in yards (953) and touchdowns (seven).
Though his numbers plummeted during his injury-riddled 2015 campaign with New England, LaFell has rebounded nicely after joining the Bengals this past season. In 2016 he totaled 64 receptions for 862 yards and six touchdowns.
A big 6’3″ target with the ability to go up and get footballs, LaFell could be the addition the Giants need to improve their 17th league ranked red zone efficiency mark.
He made just $2.5 million this year but following his solid 2016 campaign, New York may be looking at a price tag in the $3-5 million annually range. However, LaFell does turn 30 in 2017 which may deter some of his potential suitors.
Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Once one of the great outside receiving threats of his era, Vincent Jackson hasn’t played a full 16 game regular season since 2014.
Yet, that shouldn’t stop the Giants from at least looking into the 33-year-old pass catcher.
The three-time Pro Bowler has landed on injured reserve in each of the last two seasons, posting just 15 catches for 175 yards in 2016 before being lost for the year in Week 5.
Nevertheless, when Jackson can stay on the field he has been an absolute force. He posted 70 catches for 1,002 yards and two touchdowns back in 2014 and has recorded over 1,000 yards in every season in which he has played all 16 games (six times) since 2008.
A team captain with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, adding a guy like Jackson to the Giants’ locker room would only be a positive thing.
Unfortunately, with the obvious questions about his age and health, the Giants may not be able to afford the making the $5.5-6 million annual gamble it would take to get Jackson.
Though with his career winding down, maybe Jackson would rather chase one last shot at a ring than cash in on a big contract.
Perhaps he would be willing to take down his price tag into the $4-5 million range if the Giants can prove they are legitimate Super Bowl contenders in the upcoming postseason.
Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings likely expected a lot more out of Cordarrelle Patterson as a receiver when they drafted him with the 29th pick of the first round back in 2013.
He caught a mediocre 52 balls for 453 yards and two touchdowns in 2016, failing to eclipse the 500-yard receiving mark even once during his four NFL seasons.
Though he lacks the ability to be a top-tier wide-out, Patterson has become one of the best kick returners in the NFL.
Since 2013 he has brought five kickoffs back to the house and took back kicks of over 100 yards in three different seasons. This year he averaged 31.68 yards per kick return while bringing one kick back for a score.
With Dwayne Harris no longer an electrifying return man and Beckham to0 valuable to consistently risk on special teams, Patterson could become an intriguing option.
He likely won’t worth more than about $2.5-3 million and comes with enough of an offensive skill set to be productive there as well at times.