New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is disappointed in his early-season role. He’s taken just 28 offensive snaps, been targeted only a single time, and does not have a reception.
Hyatt’s lack of use is by design, head coach Brian Daboll said earlier this week. He’s got a certain number of plays in the playbook but things just haven’t aligned so that he could execute them.
Late in the summer, it became evident that Hyatt’s role would be somewhat diminished. He was beaten out by Darius Slayton for the second outside spot which allegedly led to some serious frustration.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports that Hyatt told the Giants if they didn’t plan to use him in 2024, they should trade him.
There was a moment late in the summer when it appeared this might go sideways. Unhappy with the situation, Hyatt said during practice that if the Giants weren’t going to use him, they should trade him, multiple team sources told ESPN.
That does not appear it will happen. Hyatt is still in their plans.
Perhaps Hyatt said something out of emotion but Daboll on Friday denied that it ever happened.
“Never told me that,” Daboll told reporters. “Jalin is probably one of the closer guys I am with on this team. You should ask Jalin.”
Whether or not Hyatt requested a trade, was just venting frustration or it never happened, the reality is that the second-year wideout wants to see the field.
“It is definitely disappointing. I’m not going to sit here and act like I’m perfectly fine with it. I’m not. But it’s like, ‘What can I do now?’ It’s either I can sit here and pout and be mad at the world and not get better, or I can keep attacking the days and keep getting better at practice.” Hyatt told ESPN.
A Sunday game against the Cleveland Browns may be Hyatt’s opportunity. Denzel Ward is likely to shadow rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, presenting an opportunity for the Giants to stretch the field. If Hyatt’s name is called, he’ll be ready.
“My time will come. Trust me, it will,” Hyatt said. “And if it’s not now, it will be soon. So I’m not really worried about it right now because I know I’m going to take over sooner or later.”
After practice on Friday, Hyatt also denied the report.
Jalin Hyatt denies a report that he said if he wasn't going to be used by the Giants, they should trade him:
"That's false. I love being here." pic.twitter.com/5jPIxh0Zj1
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) September 20, 2024
Hyatt is a dynamic talent and it will only benefit the Giants to get him involved. And with tempers beginning to boil, perhaps now is that time.
