Giants: 3 free agents who could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans

1. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel

Measuring at 5-11 and 195 pounds, Curtis Samuel is a versatile weapon that could expand . He has lined up outside, in the slot and at a running back with 60 carries since 2019. Last season was a career year with highs in receptions with 77 and receiving yards with 851, finishing with 1,051 yards from scrimmage and 8.9. yards per touch. When factoring in that Samuel was frequently the third option behind starters D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson, his season is all the more impressive and suggests that he can explode given an opportunity higher in the pecking order.

That can certainly happen in New York. He can line up anywhere, presenting mismatch options aplenty for Jason Garrett to include Garrett’s occasional use of zone-reads with Daniel Jones. And with the return of Saquon Barkley, Samuel can not only be a potential ball-carrier, but a primary option via the quick pass game tagged onto those zone-read snaps. Boasting 4.31 speed, Samuel can help open the offense laterally, much like the Kansas City Chiefs do with Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman. The NFL is a copycat league, and the Giants’ 31st ranked offense that only totaled 12 passing touchdowns all year could really do for some copying potent offenses.

The dots also connect for the young receiver off the field. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, playing for the Giants would be a homecoming of sorts. It would also be a reunion with Gettleman, who drafted Samuel to the Panthers. To return home, with his former GM and a chance to become a major contributor is enticing for his career trajectory. And at 24 years old, he could be a long-term asset to the Giants offense.

Fans may be clamoring for guys like Kenny Golladay or Allen Robinson, but both players can be franchise-tagged by their respective teams, necessitating a trade to acquire them. That is unlikely. In addition to likely hitting the market, Samuel will not be the most expensive receiver to sign and would be a wise addition considering scheme fit and age. His addition could potentially place the need of receiver a bit lower, especially considering the depth of the class, and could encourage the Giants to go for a defender or even tight end Kyle Pitts if available.