There's no other way to put it. Jalin Hyatt might be the New York Giants' next breakout candidate. Or he might be trade bait. Depending on how you want to read the situation, both angles are starting to make more sense by the day.
The latest clue comes from Minnesota. On Wednesday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the Vikings are "seriously exploring" veteran wide receiver options after Justin Jefferson's hamstring issue and Jordan Addison's three-game suspension. They have J.J. McCarthy working back from a missed rookie season, walking into his first live NFL snaps with a depleted WR room. Not exactly ideal.
With Jordan Addison suspended and multiple injuries, the #Vikings are seriously exploring veteran receivers in the trade market, per sources.
All-Pro Justin Jefferson (hamstring) is on track for Week 1. His early-season running mate may not be on the roster. pic.twitter.com/9dRToHdgvY
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 20, 2025
If desperation leads to the phones ringing, general manager Joe Schoen might be ready to listen. He doesn’t have to shop Hyatt. He probably won’t. But if the Vikings are willing to overpay to stop-gap a problem that could spiral uncontrollably quickly, the G-Men would be foolish not to consider it.
Giants could test Vikings' desperation with Jalin Hyatt trade idea
Here’s what makes it all a little messy: Hyatt has been showing signs of finally being the guy they thought they were drafting three years ago. After a sophomore slump that saw him rack up a whopping 62 receiving yards in 15 games, he beefed up, found instant chemistry with Russell Wilson, and is now being used in a way that plays to his speed — literally. He’s getting healthy again, too.
Assistant GM Brandon Brown even told SNY that Wilson sees shades of Seattle guys in Hyatt. That matters. Wilson worked with some elite receivers in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s safe to assume Brown meant Tyler Lockett in particular. Russ helped turn him into one of the most efficient deep threats of the last decade. The Giants would love nothing more than to replicate that success.
So no, they aren’t just giving him away. There's no Jalin Hyatt listing on eBay. But the timing of Pelissero's report, combined with the Vikings' quarterback situation, opens the door for a speculative conversation. Especially if Minnesota calls offering a Day 3 pick that comes with strings. A 2026 fifth-rounder that turns into a fourth with incentives? Schoen’s probably not hanging up right away.
Hyatt is still a long shot to become a featured weapon in this offense. Malik Nabers is the WR1. Darius Slayton is the steady vet. Wan'Dale Robinson has carved out his niche in the slot. Not to mention, the team added Beaux Collins, Montrell Washington, and Lil'Jordan Humphrey this offseason, who are all quietly making a roster push of their own.
Something's gotta give.
For now, Hyatt’s on the roster, trying to reclaim a role. But if the right call comes in at the right time, the Giants might decide their potential breakout candidate is more valuable as leverage.
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