This group has the potential to be better, if Theo Johnson ascends
During the Joe Schoen-Brian Daboll years, the New York Giants have completely remade their tight end group. Let’s look at the tight ends as we keep rolling through our position-by-position “better or worse” series.
Key additions: Thomas Fidone II
Key losses: None
Roster: Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz, Daniel Bellinger, Thomas Fidone II, Greg Dulcich, Jermaine Terry II
Why they could be better
Johnson, a 2024 fourth-round pick, was beginning to show the ability to be a difference-making pass catcher when his Lisfranc injury knocked him out for the season’s final five games. Johnson had just 29 catches on the season, but 26 of those came in his final eight games played.
If he picks up where he left off, the Giants might have found a dynamic all-purpose tight end.
Another way the Giants might be better is if they find a way to truly incorporate Bellinger into the passing attack. After a promising rookie season, Bellinger has been an afterthought as a receiving weapon the past two years. In both 2023 and 2024, Bellinger only began getting regular targets when the pass-catching tight end ahead of him (Darren Waller in 2023 and Johnson in 2024) was injured. He is better than that.
Fidone and Dulcich provide depth options that did not really exist last season.
Why they could be worse?
If Johnson is hampered by last season’s Lisfranc injury or simply doesn’t develop, or if injuries deplete the depth.
Final thoughts
I believe this position group is better, mostly because it is deeper. If Johnson takes a step forward he could truly change the Giants’ passing offense.
