One record wasn’t enough to satisfy Malik Nabers on Sunday.
Another disastrous season for the Giants in 2025 might not keep him happy much longer.
After setting the Giants record for catches in a single season during a season-ending 20-13 loss to the Eagles, Nabers took a series off to rest some arm pain stemming from a first-half tackle.
But he returned to the game to (temporarily) set the NFL mark for catches in a season by a rookie on a spectacular touchdown.
“It means a lot. I’ve been keeping track all year,” Nabers said. “To end my rookie season off right and carry it over into next year.”
Nabers finished his rookie season with 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns, eclipsing Steve Smith’s franchise record of 107 catches in 2009.
He surpassed the rookie record that Puka Nacua established last season, but he was surpassed later Sunday by fellow rookie Brock Bowers of the Raiders.
“I had a few texts with Brock and I told him he got there before me,” Nabers said. “I applaud him for that.”
There wasn’t much to applaud besides Nabers during a 3-14 season that put general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll on hot seats.
What needs to change before next season?
“I don’t know. My job is to catch the football and run routes,” Nabers said. “We have the right pieces. We have to play as a team. There were a lot of games we lost where it was close and if we would’ve did this right then we would’ve won the game. We have to get the little things right.”
The Giants don’t have a quarterback under contract in 2025.
The opportunity to throw to Nabers is the No. 1 thing that makes the opening attractive to prospective free agents and draft prospects.
“I’m sure I’m going to have a lot of phone calls,” Nabers said. “But I’m going to let upstairs [ownership and front office] handle that. That’s out of my control.”
Nabers’ final catch of the season was a 45-yard touchdown that closed the Giants’ fourth-quarter deficit to 17-10.
He changed the route that was called, found open space for quarterback Drew Lock, absorbed a hit and stayed on his feet to tiptoe down the sideline and flip into the end zone.
“I really had a post but converted it and ran a little go,” Nabers said. “Me and Drew were on the same page and had talked about it.”
There were times during Nabers’ season where persistent losing got the best of his emotions.
He is looking ahead to brighter days.
“I’m sure it would mean the most to anybody to come from down low to go up top,” Nabers said. “Individually, it was a strong year, but there is a lot more I could’ve done out there. A lot I can learn moving onto next year. After the first year it hurts (to be going home), but I’m going to have it in the back of my head.”
