When the New York Giants signed wide receiver Kenny Golladay to a four-year, $72 million contract with $40 million guaranteed, expectations were understandably high.
The Giants knew they paid a premium price for Golladay, but assumed his contested catch prowess would take the offense to a new level. However, that is not how things ultimately shook out.
In his first season with the Giants, Golladay hauled in just 37 receptions for 521 yards and zero — yes, zero — touchdowns. Even left tackle Andrew Thomas had a touchdown reception in 2021.
That leaves the Giants with three years remaining on Golladay’s contract. He’ll carry cap hits in excess of $21 million over the next three seasons and another $3.4 million (signing bonus) a year after his contract expires.
It’s a rough deal for the Giants. One of the league’s worst. At least according to Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report.
The Contract: Four years, $72 million. Expires in 2025.
The Giants are just one year into the massive contract they signed wide receiver Kenny Golladay to in the offseason, but it’s not looking good.
By annual average value, Golladay’s contract is tied with Tyreek Hill as the sixth-most lucrative in the league.
Needless to say, the Giants aren’t getting a Hill-like impact for their investment. Golladay’s first campaign in New York yielded just 37 catches for 521 yards and no touchdowns. The receiver has already acknowledged it’s not good enough.
There are factors outside of his control. It has become pretty clear that Daniel Jones is not the answer at quarterback, and ownership has already spoken about how they feel about Joe Judge’s reign as head coach.
The Giants will have to hope that a new coach and potentially a new quarterback can help Golladay flourish. He’s on the books for cap hits north of $21 million in each of the next three years.
The irony of suggesting Daniel Jones and Giants personnel are at fault for Golladay’s struggles… If anything, it’s the exact opposite and Golladay cost the Giants’ quarterbacks — including Jones — greatly.
Case in point: Golladay’s half-hearted attempt to catch a pass from Jake Fromm in Week 18 against the Washington Football Team.
Absolutely AWFUL effort from Kenny Golladay.
This is a $72 million receiver with zero touchdowns. Terrible. pic.twitter.com/vHVV6MRb4m
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) January 9, 2022
Issues like this persisted with Golladay throughout the year. He made no impact on the field and regularly lost on contested catches. He struggled with drops and his highlight was screaming at Jason Garrett on the sideline.
Ultimately, if Golladay were hamstrung by the Giants and not the other way around, his contract would not be listed among the league’s worst. But it is, and that’s not because of Daniel Jones.
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