The 2024 NFL season is fast approaching, and Giants fans are buzzing with excitement. With training camp set to kick off on July 24th for the veteran players, let’s dive into the Giants’ tight ends room as the team gears up for camp.
With Darren Waller’s retirement, new opportunities have opened up for others to step in and shine.
Daniel Bellinger
Heading into this season, Bellinger is expected to be the top tight end for the Giants. However, an injury had limited him during minicamp, so it remains to be seen how this will impact his performance in training camp.
Last season Bellinger appeared in all 17 games catching 25 of 28 targets for 255 yards and no touchdowns. The offense as a whole struggled and everyone is looking for a bounce back season.
Bellinger has all the tools to become a top-tier, well-rounded tight end in the NFL. His prototypical size makes him a big target on the field.
Theo Johnson
Theo Johnson, the rookie tight end from Penn State, will start his first season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. The Giants announced this on Tuesday when rookies reported to training camp.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Johnson is expected to contribute to the offense. However, the team has not disclosed any details about his physical status or the reason for placing him on the PUP list.
Lawrence Cager
The Giants have re-signed Lawrence Cager, a five-year veteran who has been on and off the roster for the past two seasons. Since this is Cager’s second stint with the Giants, he should have a good grasp of the playbook and his role in the offense.
The opportunity is there for growth, and we have seen flashes of potential from Cager in the past. His familiarity with the team’s system gives him a solid foundation to build upon.
Chris Manhertz
Chris Manhertz has carved out a nine-year NFL career despite never playing college football. Despite his lack of a football background and being undersized at 235 pounds, Manhertz has established himself as a blocking tight end. As a receiver, he has been targeted just 40 times, making 26 catches.
Manhertz has made his reputation as a blocking tight end, I’m sure coaches will love that aspect of his game
Jack Stoll
Stoll was another free agent signing from the Eagles. He has appeared in 50 regular-season games, starting 26 of them as a blocking tight end. Over three seasons, Stoll has recorded 20 receptions across 1,343 offensive snaps.
His chances of making the Giants’ 53-man roster might depend on whether the team favors him over Manhertz. It’s difficult to envision the Giants retaining both players.
Tyree Jackson
Jackson, formerly the starting quarterback for the University of Buffalo, was once projected as a first-round pick in NFL.com’s mock drafts.
The transition from quarterback to tight end has been made before, but Jackson’s 2023 season was quiet. After being cut by the Eagles during final roster reductions in late August, the Giants quickly added him to their practice squad. Jackson appeared in Weeks 10 and 11 against the Cowboys and Commanders but did not record any stats.
Final thoughts
Overall, the New York Giants’ tight end group is in a state of flux, and they have brought in a few veterans to strengthen the position. There may be some camp battles for the final 53-man roster spots.
