Giants' Jalin Hyatt denies trade rumors and strives for success

New York Giants second-year wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has been at the center of some trade rumors after a slow start to the 2024 season.

However, Hyatt clarified that he never asked for a trade and remains loyal to his team.

Even though things haven't gone as planned for the Giants' wide receivers, Hyatt remains positive and ready when his moment comes.

This season, the Giants' receivers have had a tough time, although Malik Nabers has been a bright spot.

Nabers caught 15 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown in just two games, but the other receivers struggled.

Meanwhile, Wan'Dale Robinson added eight catches for 62 yards and a touchdown, becoming the only other wideout to score so far.

Still, things remained unusually quiet around Jalin Hyatt, who many had expected to take a big step forward this season.

The former 2023 third-round pick showed promise last year with 23 catches for 373 yards, but this season he has been targeted just once in two games and has yet to make a catch.

Not to mention, his playing time has also dropped, going from 23% of snaps in Week 1 to 21% in Week 2.

But things changed when ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported that Hyatt reportedly said during practice that the Giants should trade him if they didn't use him.

Hyatt quickly clarified the matter, telling reporters: “I didn't say that. I don't know where this comes from, but this is wrong.”

He stated that he loves being with the Giants and has great respect for general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, who made a trade to sign him.

Jalin Hyatt disputes a report that he said if the Giants didn't use him, they should trade him:

“That is wrong. I love being here.” pic.twitter.com/5jPIxh0Zj1

— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) September 20, 2024

“I love being here. Joe and Dabs, I have so much respect for them trading for me and getting me. Whatever this rumor was, it's not true at all,“, he added.

Unfortunately, the Giants have struggled on offense, averaging just 170.5 pass yards per game, and they are currently 0-2.

And Hyatt's potential to provide a much-needed spark on offense has yet to be realized.

Meanwhile, his teammates Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton have maintained their spots at the top of the depth chart.

Slayton has seen 72% and 88% of offensive snaps in the first two weeks, while Robinson has stayed on the field for 68% and 63% of plays.

Despite the frustration over limited playing time, Hyatt remains optimistic.

He admits his role has not lived up to his expectations so far, but is determined to stay focused and improve.

“I thought I had a very, very good training camp and they told me that was the case. They told me I had a great training camp, but there are things I can't control,Hyatt explained.

“I'm disappointed about it, but at the end of the day I'm just going to keep getting better and my chance will come and when it comes I'll be ready.”

Giants head coach Brian Daboll echoed the disappointment, also denying the move rumors and saying Hyatt never mentioned he wanted to leave the team.

Daboll shared that Hyatt's lack of playing time was not due to an issue with the receiver's skill set, but rather due to his past game development.

“Jalin is probably one of the closest friends I work with on this teamDaboll told reporters, brushing off trade rumors. “You should ask Jalin.”

He also suggested that Hyatt's role could grow as the season progresses depending on how the game plans develop.

What's notable is that Hyatt's limited usage has certainly raised eyebrows, particularly after a training camp in which he frequently worked with the first team.

He has only played 28 offensive snaps this season, a clear difference from his counterparts like Slayton and Robinson, who have seen significantly more time on the field.

Still, Hyatt remains confident that its moment will come.

“My time will come. Trust me, it willHyatt explained.

“And if not now, then soon. That's why I'm not really worried at the moment because I know that sooner or later I will take over.”

Looking ahead, the Giants face the Cleveland Browns in an upcoming game. And this duel could be an opportunity for Hyatt to make a name for himself.

With Browns cornerback Denzel Ward likely focusing on Malik Nabers, the Giants could use Hyatt's speed to stretch the field and give their passing game a much-needed boost.