Receiver-needy Giants open up cap space as trade buzz grows

The Giants fanned the flames of trade buzz Wednesday by freeing up salary cap space.

The front office converted part of the salaries of cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland into signing bonuses, which freed up just over $4.8 million in salary cap space, as first reported by ESPN.

In addition to the $2.5 million already available, according to NFL Players Association records, that allows the Giants to be more comfortable as the NFL trade deadline approaches.

League sources told the Post that the Giants have studied the receiver landscape and could be poised to strike soon if the price is right.

It makes more sense for the Giants (2-4) to add a receiver under contract for 2026 who can complement a healthy Malik Nabers next season while growing alongside rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart — or even someone who knows head coach Brian Daboll’s playbook, like Alabama products Calvin Ridley (Titans) and Jerry Jeudy (Browns) – than acquiring a rental for an improbable playoff push.

Of course, the extra cap space could simply be a way to create the wiggle room that will be needed as the season progresses to get by with minor transactions such as practice squad elevations and filling roster spots after players land on injured reserve.

Jauan Jennings of the 49ers, Jaylen Waddle of the Dolphins, Chris Olave of the Saints, Jakobi Meyers of the Raiders, Dontayvion Wicks of the Packers, Jeudy and Ridley are some of the names reportedly available.

General manager Joe Schoen, Daboll, co-owner John Mara, director of player personnel Chris Mara and senior vice president of medical services and head coach Ronnie Barnes were huddled together after Wednesday’s practice. It wasn’t an uncommon scene after practice, even if the contingent was larger than usual.

Darius Slayton did not practice Wednesday, meaning the Giants could play again Sunday with Wan’Dale Robinson and rarely used Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Jalin Hyatt and Beaux Collins as receivers.