Malik Nabers Joins Giants, Close to Russell Wilson
Malik Nabers has settled into a new spot in the Giants locker room, conveniently next to Russell Wilson. It feels a bit intentional, especially since Wilson often emphasizes being intentional in every aspect.
If the Giants aim to make an impact this season, the dynamic between Wilson and Nabers is likely significant. Both players recognize the importance of their connection. This offseason, they made the trip to San Diego to train together and continued to develop their rapport after practices during the spring.
Now, they’re taking time to understand each other better in the locker room, aiming to translate that connection onto the field when they face Washington starting Sunday.
“We feel good,” Wilson mentioned after Wednesday’s practice. “Malik has always been a strong worker. Spending time together in San Diego really highlighted his work ethic and mentality, even back then when we weren’t physically practicing.”
In reflecting on Wilson’s impressive background, it’s a bit surprising to consider extending his capabilities to someone for a 1,000-yard season, especially as a rookie. Tyler Rockett managed that feat in 2021, but Wilson himself has only done so six times over his career. Yet, Nabers had a standout rookie season, racking up 1,204 yards on 109 catches—more yards than Wilson threw in 2020, aside from Metcalf.
There’s a sense that Nabers could, perhaps, put up big numbers again this year.
“I genuinely believe he will thrive this season,” Wilson added. “He’s a serious threat on the field. Anytime he touches the ball, he’s versatile—he can handle short and mid-range plays.”
Nabers remarked, “When the quarterback possesses such a strong understanding of the defense, it makes my role smoother. It certainly helps to know his thought process and, well, even his body language.”
This is where Wilson’s experience shines through. He took notes from Jaxson Dart’s impressive training camp and understood how to leverage insights from his 13 seasons in the NFL.
“He shared memories of Seattle and the plays he executed there, racking up touchdowns,” Nabers shared. “I’m all ears when he offers advice; I’m eager to follow if it leads to scoring.”
Quarterbacks like Wilson inevitably become key players, and while Dirt and Tommy DeVito were notable stories during camp, the regular season has arrived. Right now, it seems clear that the Giants revolve around Wilson, at least for now—a sentiment echoed by general manager Joe Shane on Wednesday.
Nabers summed it up by saying, “I observe everything he’s done, hoping to adapt those traits. Being around him reinforces my growth, both as an athlete and an individual.”
