Giants sign star first-round receiver to rookie contract

Nabers has signed his rookie contract, the Giants announced on Friday. Many players on the verge of their first NFL rookie minicamps have done the same recently in preparation for the weekend. This four-year pact will be worth just over $29M fully guaranteed, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 notes. Nabers will collect a signing bonus of just over $18M.

Like all other first-rounders, Nabers’ deal will also include a fifth-year option the team could pick up for the 2028 campaign. If things go according to plan over the next three seasons, that will not be a difficult decision on New York’s part. Nabers enters the league with major expectations after he solidified his status as one of the top three prospects in a loaded receiver class. Ahead of the draft, it was learned some teams had the All-American rated higher than Marvin Harrison Jr.

While the latter did wind up hearing his name called fourth overall, the Giants were among the teams high on Nabers leading up to the draft. He saw his production increase with each passing season at LSU, including a standout junior campaign to close out his college career. Nabers racked up 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns on 89 receptions in 2023, displaying explosiveness both before and after the catch.

Both Harrison and fellow top-10 receiver Rome Odunze are generally seen as more polished players, but Nabers’ size (6-foot-1, 188 pounds) and athleticism give him plenty of upside at the NFL level. He will immediately take on a notable role on a Giants team which ranked 31st in the NFL in passing yards last season. Quarterback injuries hindered the team’s offense, but with either Daniel Jones or Drew Lock under center New York will aim to be more efficient moving forward.

Nabers will join the likes of Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, Wan’Dale Robinson and recent addition Allen Robinson in the Giants receiving corps. Much of the team’s ability to rebound from a forgettable 2023 campaign will depend on their progress in the passing game and Nabers will be a central figure in that regard.