MAJOR-NEWS; The Giants’ Secret $100M Masterplan Exposed – How They’re About to Shock the NFL!

The New York Giants held OTAs over the past week, and one of the most noticeable players on the field was second-year tight end Theo Johnson, whose physical presence caught the attention of SNY’s Connor Hughes. Though Johnson has always been tall at 6-foot-6, Hughes observed that the young tight end looks even bigger heading into the 2025 season.

Hughes noted that Johnson stood out during tight end drills observed by the media, and emphasized the team’s high expectations for him. Johnson had a solid rookie season before a foot injury cut it short, posting 29 receptions for 331 yards and a touchdown across 12 games — a respectable stat line for someone seen as a developmental player coming out of the draft.

Hughes added that Johnson emerging as a reliable offensive weapon could be a game-changer for the Giants. However, the tight end wasn’t particularly impactful during team drills on Wednesday, May 28.

The Giants Need Johnson to Fill Darren Waller’s Shoes

With modest playoff expectations for 2025, the Giants are counting on several players to outperform projections, and Johnson is high on that list. Head coach Brian Daboll has already surprised the league once in his first year, and a breakout season from Johnson could help him do it again.

If Johnson stays healthy and the offense sees improved quarterback play and surrounding talent, he could realistically surpass 500 receiving yards. Ideally, the Giants hope he becomes the playmaker Darren Waller was expected to be before injuries and a short stint led to his early retirement. Waller played 12 games in 2023, catching 52 passes for 552 yards and a touchdown — numbers that could have been even better had he stayed healthy.

The Giants essentially gave up a former first-rounder (Kadarius Toney) in a pair of trades that landed them Waller and cornerback Tre Hawkins. In hindsight, while moving Toney may have been justified, the Giants could have invested that pick elsewhere if Waller wasn’t going to be a long-term solution. Now, they’re counting on Johnson to take on that intended role in Daboll’s offense.

Tight End Depth Chart Largely Set at OTAs

Unlike other positions, the Giants didn’t bring in serious competition for the starting tight end spot this offseason. Johnson is firmly positioned as the top pass-catching tight end, with veteran Chris Manhertz slotted behind him as the primary blocking option.

While there is some competition for depth roles — including seventh-round rookie Thomas Fidone II, 2024 acquisition Greg Dulcich, UDFA Jermaine Terryall, and former prospect Daniel Bellinger — the top two spots appear secure. The lack of moves to challenge Johnson for the starting job shows how much confidence the team has in his potential this year.