Giants (Surprisingly?) Cut Receiver Isaiah Hodgins

The New York Giants have made a significant roster move by waiving wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins as part of their final cutdown. Hodgins, who played a key role in the Giants' offense over the past two seasons, now finds himself on the outside looking in as the team prepares for the season.

As reported by Giants Beat Writer Pat Leonard, "Giants are waiving WR Isaiah Hodgins, according to a source. 7 TDs the past two years for the team." This news highlights the tough decisions the Giants are facing as they finalize their roster.

Originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Hodgins was claimed off waivers by the Giants in November 2022. He quickly became one of Daniel Jones' most dependable targets, using his size and precise route-running to find success in the Giants' revamped passing attack. Despite not seeing the field until Week 8 of 2022, Hodgins managed to make a significant impact, finishing second on the team in touchdowns over the past two seasons with seven.

However, as the Giants have shifted their focus toward speed and explosiveness in their receiving corps, Hodgins' role in the offense began to diminish. The team has been prioritizing players who can contribute not only as receivers but also on special teams, a department where Hodgins was less effective. This made him vulnerable in the final roster decisions, especially with the Giants opting for receivers who offer more versatility in multiple phases of the game.

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The decision to waive Hodgins underscores the Giants' commitment to reshaping their roster with players who fit their evolving strategy under head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. With the regular season fast approaching, the Giants are making tough choices to ensure they have the right mix of talent to compete, reflecting their focus on adaptability and dynamic playmakers. Hodgins’ departure marks a turning point as the Giants continue to refine their roster with the hopes of building a more versatile and explosive offense in 2024.