This upcoming season is huge for Hakeem Nicks. When at the top of his game, the New York Giants’ receiver is one of the best in the NFL. A hefty new contract for him would be the logical assumption once his current deal is up this winter… right?
Unfortunately, the oft-injured Nicks has proven to be a detriment to the team’s goals. The former first-round pick spent more time in 2012 on the weekly injury report than he did playing football and, as a result, it’s impossible for the Giants to feel secure in his long-term potential.
Nicks knows he has a lot to prove — and trust to earn — this season. Though many criticized his absence during voluntary OTAs (organized team activities) and even tied it to contract demands, the North Carolina product insists he is focused on football.
“I never want to be detrimental in any kind of way to this organization because they’ve been nothing but good to me,” he told the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz when he arrived at mini-camp last week. “I took care of what I needed to take care of and I am here now and that’s all that matters.”
In four seasons, Nicks has recorded 255 catches for 3,726 yards and 27 touchdowns. He has been quarterback Eli Manning’s top target since entering the league in 2009. Just his presence on the field creates numerous offensive opportunities, including a number of the big plays fellow receiver Victor Cruz was able to make over the past two years.
But Nicks has never played a full season. He has missed nine games in his NFL career, and played the vast majority of those 55 games hampered by a variety of injuries.
When healthy, Nicks is worth No. 1 receiver money. At his current rate, however, the Giants have to be leery about spending that kind of cash to hold onto him.
The wide out must use 2013 to show that he can still produce — this past year, his numbers dipped to 692 receiving yards following two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons — while, more importantly, staying healthy for 16-games.
If he can do that, Nicks will force the Giants’ hand. With Cruz also looking for a big deal, the G-Men have a decision to make. However, if the former Tar Heel spends 2013 battling injuries, a resolution may present itself more quickly.
Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.