Analyst Suggests Giants Sign Kroft

The New York Giants have some work to do at the tight end position after former Pro Bowl target Darren Waller called it a career earlier this summer.

Fortunately for New York , the front office was well-prepared for his departure. The team drafted Penn State tight end Theo Johnson in the fourth round, a strong scheme fit in the mold of Waller’s profile.

He joins incumbent Daniel Bellinger, former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Jack Stoll, Lawrence Cager, and Chris Manhertz.

The Giants feel fairly comfortable with their tight end room, even if Johnson doesn’t start right away. But could they sign another tight end to add more versatility to the group?

According to Bleacher Report’s list of bargain free agents New York should sign, Tyler Kroft makes the cut.

“While the free agent talent pool isn't deep at the tight end position, the Giants could snag a seasoned starter by signing Tyler Kroft,” Kristopher Knox wrote. “The 31-year-old rarely saw the field with the Miami Dolphins last season and was a (big) player for the San Francisco 49ers in 2022.

“However, Kroft has 100 games and 52 starts on his resume and spent two seasons under Daboll with the Buffalo Bills.”

Kroft’s connection with Daboll is likely the strongest factor tying him to New York. He caught four touchdowns under Daboll in Buffalo.

His ability to block while offering modest receiving skills provides him with some helpful two-way versatility. To some extent, that makes him a valuable depth signing.

“Kroft's best season came with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017, a season he finished with 42 receptions, 404 yards and seven touchdowns,” Knox wrote. “While Kroft can't be considered a high-end starter at this point in his career, he'd bring some much-needed experience to the tight end room.”

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Still, New York isn’t in dire need of a new addition. Bellinger isn’t a high-ceiling starter, but has similar versatility to Kroft and a rapport with quarterback Daniel Jones. Cager is similarly athletic to Johnson and can fill in if Johnson doesn’t see immediate playing time. Stoll and Manhertz are strong blockers who can essentially platoon with Johnson/Cager on early downs if the situation presents itself.

Kroft is a fine fit, but with too many tight ends already fighting for a spot, landing with the Giants remains unlikely.