Sometimes, all it takes is one spark to make a team watchable again.
For the New York Giants, that spark was Malik Nabers in 2024 — and he’s doing far more than just catching footballs.
He’s changing how players view the team, turning doubt into interest and attracting free agents with every highlight-reel play.
Giants weren’t the hottest free agency destination — but money helped
Make no mistake, the Giants weren’t exactly a dream landing spot during the 2025 free agency period.
Their quarterback situation was murky, the offensive line remained questionable, and their win-loss record was nothing to brag about.
But general manager Joe Schoen opened the checkbook, and that helped attract top-tier talent — including quarterback Russell Wilson.
Wilson wasn’t their first option, but he brings experience, leadership, and the ability to at least stabilize the offense.
Russell Wilson, Giants
Credit: Anne-Marie Caruso/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Nabers’ gravity pulls talent in like a magnet
What truly swayed Wilson’s decision to join the Giants, however, wasn’t cash — it was a 21-year-old phenom named Malik Nabers.
The former sixth overall pick exploded as a rookie with 1,568 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, quickly ascending into stardom.
Elite talent tends to stand out, but Nabers isn’t just elite — he’s the type of player that makes teammates better instantly.
His presence alone made New York a far more attractive destination, helping convince veterans like Wilson to believe in the rebuild.
Wilson was sold the moment he pressed play
Russell Wilson recently shared what tipped the scales when he was reviewing potential teams during free agency.
“I just turned on the film and watching this guy Malik Nabers, man, this dude’s a superstar,” Wilson said with conviction.
“When you watch every single catch and every single rep and every play, you get to see the kind of player he is.”
His excitement was genuine — not scripted or forced — and that energy reflects exactly what Nabers brings to the field.
Jan 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
A true game-changer gives hope for the future
For too long, the Giants have been stuck in a cycle of underwhelming quarterback play and unreliable weapons on offense.
But Nabers has already flipped that script, giving the Giants a foundational star that can accelerate their turnaround in real time.
His ability to draw attention, both from defenders and potential teammates, makes him a unique asset for the front office.
The Giants may finally have their offensive cornerstone
If Malik Nabers can continue his current trajectory, he’ll do more than break records — he’ll reshape the identity of the franchise.
With Russell Wilson now on board and more talent likely to follow, the Giants finally have a reason to believe again.
Sometimes it takes just one electric player to pull the whole team forward, and Nabers may be exactly that.