The New York Giants faced significant challenges during the 2025 NFL season, particularly due to injuries. The most critical setback came in Week 4 when wide receiver Malik Nabers experienced an ACL injury. This forced a strategic shift in the Giants’ offensive approach, with a notable shift towards utilizing tight ends more prominently.
Giants’ Personnel Strategy Shift
Following Nabers’ injury, the Giants transitioned from a typical 11-personnel setup (one running back, one tight end, three receivers) to utilizing 12-personnel (one running back, two tight ends) and 13-personnel (one running back, three tight ends). This change led to a dramatic increase in tight end participation in the offensive scheme.
- In 2024, the Giants used 12-personnel for 16.75% of their snaps—ranking 22nd in the league.
- In 2024, 13-personnel was deployed on 3.67% of snaps, placing them 13th.
- In 2025, 12-personnel was used 32.3% of the time, ranking seventh overall.
- The league average for 12-personnel was 22.6%.
- 13-personnel was employed 16.57%, ranking 16th in the league.
This enhanced usage of tight ends resulted in improved performance; the Giants averaged 5.6 yards per play in 12-personnel, a notable increase from the 5.0 yards per play recorded in the previous season.
Individual Contributions of Giants Tight Ends
Theo Johnson
Theo Johnson, a second-year player, emerged as a significant contributor. He completed 45 receptions for 528 yards and led the team with five touchdown catches. However, he struggled with consistency, recording seven drops, which placed him among the highest in the league for dropped passes among all receiving targets. His blocking showed improvement, and at just 24 years old, his potential remains promising.
Daniel Bellinger
Daniel Bellinger served as a dependable TE2, missing only one game throughout the season. He recorded 19 catches for 286 yards and two touchdowns. While reliable, Bellinger’s lack of physicality limited his prospects as a primary receiving option. He is set to become a free agent, and the Giants may seek to retain him at a fair price.
Chris Manhertz
At 33 years old, Chris Manhertz played a crucial role as a blocking tight end. He appeared in all 17 games and recorded one catch. His strong blocking ability makes him a valuable asset, and he may be eligible for another one-year contract as a free agent.
Thomas Fidone II
Drafted in the seventh round, Thomas Fidone II faced a challenging season due to injury, limiting him to just seven games and 14 offensive snaps before he was placed on injured reserve. Despite showing promise with his receiving capabilities during the preseason, his development was hampered by previous college injuries.
Conclusion
The injury to Malik Nabers fundamentally shaped the Giants’ offensive strategy in 2025, leading to increased reliance on tight ends. This strategic pivot saw marked improvements in performance metrics, showcasing the potential of the tight end group moving forward. As the team prepares for the next season, the focus will be on developing the talents of these players and enhancing their role within the offense.
