The New York Giants didn’t just find their next WR1 when they drafted Malik Nabers last year sixth overall—they landed a bonafide alpha. In his rookie season, Nabers broke records, hauled in 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns, and somehow made it all look routine.
He was targeted 170 times—second most in the league—and still walked off the field some weeks like he’d been iced out. Apparently, that's what happens when Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito are throwing the football on Sundays.
That might sound dramatic, but that’s exactly the kind of fire Nabers brings. On a recent appearance on 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony podcast, Nabers made one thing crystal clear: if he’s open and not getting the ball, there’s going to be a problem:
"We [wide receivers] all feel the same way. We don’t like not getting the ball. You told me I was going to get the ball,” he said. “I’m getting open and I’m not getting that pill. We’ve got a problem… I ain’t playing about that ball.”
Now, to some folks that might sound like typical diva receiver talk. He's surely getting heat for his comments. But to Giants fans? That just sounds like a guy who knows he’s the best player on the field—and expects to be treated like it.
Malik Nabers isn’t complaining—he’s stating the obvious
Let’s be real: Nabers had one of the greatest rookie seasons in franchise and league history despite dealing with a QB carousel that included Jones, Lock, and DeVito. He still found a way to dominate. He easily led the team in receptions, yards, and targets.
And he still played like someone who knew he had to be the offense... because he was the offense. The team would have actually been unwatchable had he not been on the field.
Now, with Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and rookie Jaxson Dart in the building, there’s at least a real shot at some consistency under center. That’s great news for everyone—especially Nabers, who was already becoming a borderline top-10 receiver with backup-level quarterback play.
This isn’t just about ego, either. Nabers even acknowledged the business side of things. More targets = more production = bigger paychecks. “We all feel the same way,” he said. “We don’t like not getting the ball.” And he’s right. Top receivers around the league—whether it’s Ja’Marr Chase, A.J. Brown, or Justin Jefferson—have all said the same thing, even if they don’t say it as loudly. But the truly great ones typically are the loudest.
But Nabers is loud. And that’s fine. He’s also right. He’s the best player on the team and one of the few guys who can completely flip a game on a single play. If he’s open, throw it to him. Things usually go very well when that happens.
It's important to remember that a receiver's desire for more targets is often driven by their competitive spirit and belief in their ability to contribute to the team's success.
The G-Men have made it clear they want to build around their second-year wideout. Nabers is just making sure they follow through. And if they do, there’s a good chance the only “problem” left will be defenses trying to stop him.
