The New York Giants earned their first win of the 2025 season on Sunday, defeating the previously undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. While rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart appears to have settled in as the team’s new QB1, the Giants lost top wide receiver Malik Nabers, who suffered a devastating season-ending knee injury.
With Dart playing well, the team could look to add a weapon to the receiving corps. Here are five wideouts the Giants could target via trade or free agency.
Who Could the Giants Target at Wide Receiver After Malik Nabers’ Injury?
Giants fans’ worst fears were confirmed Monday after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that an MRI revealed Malik Nabers tore his ACL in Sunday’s win.
An MRI today confirmed that Giants standout WR Malik Nabers suffered a season-ending torn ACL during Sunday’s game vs. the Chargers, per source. pic.twitter.com/JDd45yUJXW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 29, 2025
It’s devastating news for New York, as Nabers has been a superstar since the team selected him in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
With him out for the season, here are five wide receivers the Giants could target via trade or free agency to help Dart and the offense.
1) Odell Beckham Jr.
While Odell Beckham Jr.’s best days may be behind him, the veteran wideout is a free agent looking for a new team. A return to New York, the team that drafted him, would make sense for the Giants following Nabers’ injury.
In his 10 NFL seasons, Beckham has tallied 575 catches for 7,987 yards and 59 touchdowns. His best years came in New York, where he posted three straight 1,300-plus-yard seasons to start his career. While he’s not the player he once was, he would likely still be able to contribute for the Giants this season.
2) D.J. Chark
D.J. Chark has been a productive receiver throughout his NFL career. After spending 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers, he’s still looking for a new team. Chark would be worth a call if the Giants want to add depth to their receiving room following Nabers’ injury.
While the veteran didn’t produce at a high level in 2024, he had a solid season with the Carolina Panthers in 2023, posting 35 catches for 525 yards and five touchdowns. The 2019 Pro Bowler can stretch the field as a deep threat, something the Giants will miss with Nabers out.
3) Diontae Johnson
Diontae Johnson has had his share of off-the-field issues in recent years, but he is undoubtedly the most talented wide receiver available for the Giants. With Nabers out, the Giants could be willing to overlook his past and give him a chance.
Johnson has a strong track record when he’s on the field. He’s recorded 424 catches in six seasons for 4,738 yards and 28 touchdowns. If New York can get anything close to the Johnson who starred for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he could be an excellent replacement for Nabers.
4) Calvin Ridley
If the Giants wanted to trade for a wide receiver instead of signing a free agent, they could target Calvin Ridley from the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans are 0-4 and are likely looking to add draft capital. With Ridley not producing at a high level this season, earning a PFSN WRi grade of 64.6, ranking 74th in the league, and rookie quarterback Cam Ward still developing, Tennessee could be open to moving him.
The Giants might be willing to give up a decent pick to acquire him as a replacement for Nabers. Ridley is on a $92 million contract, and the Giants only have $2.85 million in available cap space. However, if Tennessee is willing to cover a large portion of his deal this season to remove his massive contract from their books, this move could work out for both sides.
