The New York Giants have a big roster spot to fill in wake of Victor Cruz's season-ending knee injury. The team's leading wide receiver is officially out for the remainder of the year as the team now begins searching for his replacement. Rueben Randle and Odell Beckham Jr will not be enough to hold things down in his absence as the Giants consider making a trade before the league deadline.
When reports surfaced the Mike Williams was currently being shopped by the Buffalo Bills, the Giants became immediate favorites to land him. Williams has certainly seen his struggles since coming into the NFL, but could be that big target Eli Manning is now lacking. However, it now appears no deal will get done.
According to NJ.com, the Giants will not be seeking out a trade for Williams before the midseason deadline. The team has opted to sign Kevin Ogletree off the free agent market instead. The wide receiver played with the Dallas Cowboys most recently, while also having stints with the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It is a small signing for now.
The Buffalo Bills continue to shop Williams in a trade as he would be a better upgrade than Ogletree. The Giants need more than one new wide receiver after Jerrel Jernigan was placed on injured reserve. Right now, the team will rely on Randle and Beckham as well as Preston Parker and rookie Corey Washington. Beckham has vowed to be a replacement for Cruz in the wake of the injury. The rookie had a standout debut against the Atlanta Falcons while remaining quiet against the Eagles.
"I told him, I said, 'Big Bro, I've got you.' I have to step up," Beckham said, via NJ.com. "All of the receivers have to step up. The offense. Everybody on the team has to step up. I just told him, I said, 'I got you' because he's had me since Day One. That's the only thing that I feel like is the right thing to do - play for him. He's been there for me. He's mentored me, showed me what to do and what not to do, and any time you feel something like that, you have to do it for him."
The Giants are expected to sign Juron Criner off the free agent market. Tight end Larry Donnell will also help move the offense along.
