The New York Giants are sorting out their offense at OTAs, with several players on the roster attempting to prove their worth to the coaching staff. The tight end position has added some intrigue this spring as a position battle has quietly formed.
Theo Johnson looks ready to take over as the Giants’ starting tight end
Emerging from the tight end room is second-year pass-catcher Theo Johnson. The hulking 6-foot-6 product out of Penn State began to break out prior to a season-ending injury as a rookie.
Theo Johnson with the NY Giants, runs drills during a practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center, East Rutherford, NJ, May 28, 2025.
Credit: Anne-Marie Caruso/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Over his final five games, the rookie tight end finished with at least three receptions every week with no less than 35 yards in each contest, including two games with 50+ yards.
According to reports, Johnson “looks bigger” at OTAs and has been a standout. He is primed to take a step forward as the team’s full-time starting tight end.
Who will be the odd man out at tight end?
Behind Johnson are several competitors, fighting for their role on the depth chart and roster.
Seventh-round rookie Thomas Fidone II has also flashed during OTAs. According to John Schmeelk of Giants.com, Fidone has “showed that his athletic profile works in the NFL, with his speed and long arms making him a target during team drills.”
Daniel Bellinger, Giants
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Daniel Bellinger is entering the fourth season of his career, the final year of his rookie contract. After a promising 2022 rookie season, Bellinger has largely been phased out of the offense.
He needs to show something this summer, or he runs the risk of becoming a cap casualty. The Giants can save $3.6 million against the cap by releasing Bellinger.
Releasing Bellinger would be made even easier by the presence of Chris Manhertz on the Giants’ roster. The Bronx native signed a one-year extension with Big Blue this offseason and is a cheaper option than Bellinger.
Ultimately, who stays, who goes, and who plays the most will be decided after a long summer of practice and exhibition games. It will be interesting to see how the tight end position shakes out for the Giants.
Giants’ rookie defensive lineman could steal a starting job this summer