Second-year wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has denied that he asked the New York Giants to trade him if they weren’t going to use him.
Speaking on Friday after the team’s last practice before their game in Cleveland, Hyatt expressed surprise at an ESPN report that highlighted his limited playing time in the first two games.
The report included claims from multiple sources that during a practice this summer, he suggested the team should trade him if they weren’t going to utilize him.
Hyatt, who was drafted in the third round from Tennessee in 2023, stated that he has never spoken to general manager Joe Schoen about a trade, either recently or over the summer.
He mentioned that he has a good relationship with coach Brian Daboll and doesn’t remember discussing a trade during practice.
“I didn’t say that. I don’t know where that came from, but that’s false,” Hyatt said. “I love being here. Joe, Dabs, I got so much respect for trading up for me and getting me. So, whatever that rumor was, it’s not true at all.”
Interest in Hyatt has increased as the Giants have lost their first two games. He was one of quarterback Daniel Jones’ key targets during training camp and caught many deep passes. However, it seems he fell out of favor with Daboll just before the season started.
Veteran Darius Slayton has taken the No. 2 wideout spot behind impressive rookie Malik Nabors, with Wan’Dale Robinson in the slot.
Because of this, Hyatt has only been on the field for 26 plays across the first two games. He has had one target, a high pass that he felt he should have caught and labeled as a drop.
Daboll has spoken with Hyatt about his playing time but noted that the receiver has never brought up a trade. He added that Hyatt’s opportunity will come.
