The New York Giants have made some strategic offseason moves that might have the Dallas Cowboys feeling a bit envious. Not necessarily because of the specific players they signed, but because the Giants adeptly addressed their needs through free agency.
One standout acquisition is tight end Isaiah Likely, who many see as a game-changer for the Giants' offense. Additionally, the return of Malik Nabers from injury is seen as a significant boost. Darnell Mooney is another exciting addition, providing quarterback Jaxson Dart with a versatile arsenal to work with.
However, the signing that could really impact the Cowboys is Calvin Austin III. Austin joined the Giants from the Pittsburgh Steelers on a budget-friendly one-year, $4 million deal.
Despite his modest price tag, Austin has never dipped below 10.6 yards per reception in his three seasons with the Steelers. With 84 catches, 1,100 yards, and eight touchdowns, he's shown he can make plays.
Although his success rate is 46.9%, if the Giants' offense progresses as expected under new head coach John Harbaugh, Austin might find himself with plenty of opportunities to shine.
This signing not only fits well within the Giants' strategy but also supports their franchise player. It raises the question: did Cowboys owner Jerry Jones make any comparable moves this offseason? Could he have pursued Austin himself?
Dallas certainly could have benefited from an extra receiver like Calvin Austin III. While their receiving corps isn't a weakness, adding depth could have been valuable, especially after Jalen Tolbert signed with the Miami Dolphins. The Cowboys did place a franchise tag on George Pickens, but he still awaits a long-term deal.
With Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin supporting Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, the depth beyond them remains questionable. Jonathan Mingo had little impact last season, Parris Campbell struggles with injuries, and Traeshon Holden remains unproven after spending his rookie year on the practice squad.
Austin, with his blazing speed (4.32-second 40-yard dash) and impressive leaping ability (39-inch vertical), could have filled a gap in the slot or outside. His knack for making timely plays would have been a valuable asset against new defensive coordinator Christian Parker's schemes.
The Cowboys might have considered Austin to bolster their lineup alongside Dak Prescott, but instead, Jones seems focused on finding receiver depth through the draft or undrafted free agents. Only time will tell if the Giants' savvy moves will come back to haunt Dallas.