NFL Trade Rumors: Giants predicted to target $120 million receiver in major roster shake-up during Malik Nabers rehab process

The New York Giants are again being linked to a big-name wide receiver, this time amid growing uncertainty around Malik Nabers’ recovery timeline. Nabers, the team’s 2024 first-round pick, is still working back from a serious knee injury that required a second surgery in April. That uncertainty has fueled speculation around San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk and his massive four-year, $120 million deal. While league insiders continue to question whether a trade is realistic, the Giants’ thin receiving depth has made the rumor difficult to ignore as training camp approaches.

Which teams are interested in Brandon Aiyuk

The Giants have emerged as one of the more discussed landing spots largely because of necessity. Nabers’ status remains unclear, and outside of him, the receiving room lacks a proven top option. Darnell Mooney and Darius Slayton bring experience, but neither has consistently carried a passing offense. Calvin Austin profiles more as a complementary weapon than a featured target.

That is why Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport connected the Giants to Aiyuk. In his view, New York could justify taking a calculated risk if Nabers is not ready for the start of the season.

“The Giants signed veteran wideout Darnell Mooney and tight end Isaiah Likely in free agency, but Mooney has been targeted over 100 times just twice in six seasons and hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since 2021. Darius Slayton has missed time each of the past two years and caught the second-fewest passes (37) of his career in 2025,” wrote Davenport.

“It’s not like Aiyuk would cost a lot in terms of draft capital. His arrival would alleviate some of the pressure on Nabers to rush back onto the field. And once he is back, a Nabers/Aiyuk duo could blossom into one of the better one-two punches at the wide receiver position in the NFL.”

Around the league, teams looking for receiver help have monitored Aiyuk’s situation. Still, interest appears cautious rather than aggressive because of the financial and medical questions attached to him.

What insiders are saying about the trade rumors

League insiders have not exactly painted a clean picture of Aiyuk’s market. NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo said teams have struggled to get clarity from the receiver himself while evaluating possible trade scenarios.

“Aiyuk could put an end to this tomorrow if he wanted to. He hasn’t been willing to do that. I don’t know why, if you’re Washington or anybody, you’d give up a pick for a guy in this situation, when you know what’s happening,” Garafolo said.

“I don’t know if he wants to play! I can’t answer that question. Does he want to play NFL football? Does he want to play in Washington? I have no idea. That’s all part of it, too.”

That uncertainty has cooled momentum around a possible deal, especially for teams already worried about his recovery.

Contract details and salary cap implications

Any team trading for Aiyuk would absorb the remainder of his four-year, $120 million contract signed last August. That alone complicates matters for the Giants, who are still trying to build roster flexibility around a young core.

The injury history only adds another layer. Like Nabers, Aiyuk suffered a major injury during the 2024 season and missed all of 2025. Teams are hesitant to commit premium cap space without firm medical confidence. New York could decide it makes more sense to wait and see whether the 49ers eventually release him rather than surrender draft picks now.

How the trade could impact both teams

If healthy, Aiyuk would immediately change the ceiling of the Giants’ offense. Pairing him with Nabers would give New York two receivers capable of stretching defenses and creating explosive plays after the catch. It would also reduce pressure on Nabers to return before he is fully ready.

For San Francisco, moving Aiyuk would create financial breathing room and potentially bring back future draft assets. It would also signal a shift toward reshaping the roster around younger, cheaper offensive pieces.

At the moment, though, this feels more like a conversation driven by circumstances than a trade close to happening. The Giants need answers at receiver, and Aiyuk remains talented enough to attract attention. Whether either side is truly prepared to take the risk is the bigger question.

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