Giants' Jalin Hyatt Denies Rumor He Requested Offseason Trade, Says it's 'Fake Story'

After offseason rumblings that he wanted out of New York, Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt clarified that he never requested a trade over the summer.

Hyatt said the report of him requesting a trade was "a fake story."

"I didn't say that. I don't know where it came from," Hyatt said, per the New York Post's Peter Botte. "That's false. I love being here. [GM] Joe [Schoen] and Dabes [coach Brian Daboll], I got so much respect for them, trading up for me, so whatever that rumor was, it's not true.

"So I feel like it's a fake story, I feel like somebody's out to get me or something. I didn't say anything about not wanting to be here."

ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported Friday:

"There was a moment late in the summer when it appeared this might go sideways. Unhappy with the situation, Hyatt said during practice that if the Giants weren't going to use him, they should trade him, multiple team sources told ESPN."

Giants head coach Brian Daboll echoed Hyatt's statement, saying Hyatt "never told me that" he wanted a trade. Daboll also said, "Jalin is probably one of the closer guys I am with on this team."

New York was clearly high on Hyatt ahead of the 2023 NFL draft, giving up a fourth-round pick to trade up and select him in the third round.

His rookie year was mediocre, thanks in part to a struggling Giants offense, as he recorded just 373 receiving yards on 23 receptions.

His second season hasn't been ideal so far. He played 15 snaps in New York's season opener before playing just 11 snaps in a Week 2 loss to the Washington Commanders. In his limited action, he's had just one target, which was a drop.

Hyatt has understandably been disappointed with how the first two weeks of the season have gone, especially after having a strong training camp, but he's looking to make the most of his opportunity when it comes.

"I felt like I've gotten better in training camp and OTAs. Felt like I took that next stride that I needed to take as far as my routes, as far as knowing the playbook, as far as getting my alignment, knowing my assignment, getting the job done. And obviously when opportunities come, taking advantage of it," Hyatt said.

"I thought I had a very, very good training camp and they told me I did. They told me I had a great training camp, but there are things that I can't control, and I am disappointed about it, but at the end of the day, I'm just going to keep getting better and my chance will come, and when it comes I will be ready."

Hyatt is no stranger to waiting for his time to come. A 4-star prospect coming out of high school according to 247Sports, Hyatt played a limited role in his first two seasons at Tennessee. He eventually exploded for 1,267 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns on his way to Biletnikoff Award in his final season with the Vols.

He'll hope to take a similar trajectory after a slow start in New York.