Isaiah Hodgins to sign with Giants
The New York Giants signed wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins to a one-year contract on Thursday.
Hodgins, 24, was a midseason practice squad addition for New York last season, originally from the Buffalo Bills. I don’t think anyone in East Rutherford, New Jersey, knew what they would end up getting with the 6-foot-4 receiver.
Hodgins was to become an exclusive rights-free agent (RFA). RFAs don’t have the right to speak with other teams if the team they were previously on offers them a deal.
This was a no-brainer for both the Giants and Hodgins. Hodgins exploded down the stretch of last season, solidifying himself as the Giants’ No. 1 receiver in an otherwise lackluster and injured group.
Hodgins struggled during his time with Buffalo, mainly due to a lack of playing time. It was next to impossible to crack the Bills’ formidable receiver room and the team waived him.
The Giants badly needed receiver depth and Hodgins was looking for a new home. Luckily for both parties, Hodgins landed on his feet when New York claimed him on Nov. 4.
The third-year player racked up 351 receiving yards on 33 catches. He added four touchdowns to his resume as well.
Hodgins was also successful during Big Blue’s playoff run. He reeled in nine catches for 108 yards and a touchdown in those two postseason outings. The touchdown was a big one, helping the Giants take the lead in Minnesota.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen’s low-risk-high-reward move to pick up Hodgins ended up benefitting the team majorly. Many will remember that Schoen was in Buffalo before New York and was a part of the decision that led up to Hodgins ending up with the Bills.
He liked him once in Buffalo, but I think he likes him more in Giants blue.
New York’s wide receiver core could look very, very different next season. Darius Slayton, Richie James and Sterling Shepard will be free agents. Kenny Golladay may be the most predictable roster cut of the 21st century.
So, the Giants could totally remodel that group. They’ll be ecstatic to include Hodgins in the new mix.
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