Colts Free Agent WR Parris Campbell Signs With Giants on One-Year CBA

The free agent wide receiver market isn't particularly deep, but the Giants made a wise signing by signing Parris Campbell. Last season, he had 62 receptions for 623 yards and three touchdowns with the Colts.

The Giants have been actively looking to fill this position for some time, and it's not surprising to see them add someone who can complement Wan'Dale Robinson and Sterling Shepard in an already crowded group.

Signing with the Giants

After four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, former Ohio State wide receiver Parris Campbell has decided to sign with the New York Giants. According to NFL Media Insider Jordan Schultz, 25-year-old has inked a one-year contract worth $3 million with the team.

Last season, Campbell caught 63 passes for 623 yards and three touchdowns - career highs for the former second-round pick. He also added five carries for 58 yards but did most of his damage near the line of scrimmage with only six targets 20 or further downfield, ranking sixth-lowest among slot receivers.

Campbell is an ideal player for the Giants' passing game and could see a major role during the 2023 season. When they entered free agency, the Giants needed weapons to surround quarterback Daniel Jones; Campbell would seem to fit right in with that group.

His primary competition for targets will likely be Saquon Barkley, but Campbell can still make an impact. If he stays healthy and continues to develop into a reliable downfield threat, Campbell could be an excellent sleeper pick in 2023.

This offseason, the Giants have already added two wide receivers to their roster; Campbell's addition makes the position even more intriguing. He joins an offense that was ranked seventh in pass-catching efficiency last season and coach Brian Daboll's system typically favors throwing to wide receivers over running backs or tight ends.

Campbell is an impressive receiver, but he also has the potential to contribute in the running game as a jet sweep or reverse threat. His quickness and athleticism allow him to get around edges quickly and create separation from competition.

Campbell's age will also prove beneficial for his development as a long-term prospect. At 25 years old, Campbell can still mature into an even better receiver.

Later this week, the Giants re-signed wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Isaiah Hodgins. Campbell joins them, giving them even more depth behind Jones. Campbell could potentially lead the team in targets which should keep him in contention for a starting role in 2023.

Expectations

On Thursday, the New York Giants continued to add to their wide receiver depth by signing free agent Parris Campbell. According to sources, Campbell will receive a one-year contract worth up to $6.7 million with $2 million in per-game roster bonuses and incentives, according to The Daily News.

It's not the only acquisition the Giants have made this offseason; general manager Joe Schoen also traded for Raiders tight end Darren Waller and re-signed edge rusher Jihad Ward to bolster their defense. With Campbell and Waller added, it should help improve their pass game which had many injuries last season.

Meanwhile, the Giants hope to re-sign Odell Beckham Jr., who has visited multiple times this month with them. During his most recent visit, Beckham expressed an interest in playing for them again.

If that occurs, there could be an uptick in interest for the upcoming free agent. He has earned three Pro Bowl nods throughout his career and could add a layer of intrigue to a potential Super Bowl run in New York City.

However, the Giants must also re-sign some of their own free agents, particularly at quarterback. With rookie Daniel Jones looking to prove he can lead them into the playoffs, there are various scenarios that could unfold around his upcoming contract negotiations.

Jones has proven to be an impressive talent with the Giants, showing all signs of being a future franchise quarterback. Additionally, his leadership abilities could ensure him success in the NFL for years to come.

He displayed his talent for the game by making key plays during crucial moments and demonstrating that he isn't afraid to stand up for his teammates. It's expected that Jones will receive a multiyear contract which will enable him to cement himself as long-term leader of the Giants organization.

With a healthy Jones, the Giants can afford to sign high-end free agents in the coming years. But they must find a way to develop their talent base at the same time. One possible solution might be trading for an experienced young quarterback in the 2022 draft class. If they can locate and package him with two first-round picks, it could put them in great position to improve their team long term.

Impact

The Colts are in a tough spot this offseason with Stephon Gilmore traded to the Browns and Parris Campbell set to hit free agency. They must upgrade at every position, especially wide receiver, if they hope to make any improvements this season.

One of the Colts' biggest weaknesses was their pass offense, which finished seventh in the NFL last season. General Manager Joe Schoen has made several moves to upgrade this offensive arsenal, including re-signing wide receiver Darius Slayton and edge rusher Jihad Ward as well as signing wide receiver Parris Campbell to a one-year contract.

Signing Campbell to a one-year prove-it deal was the logical move given his recent injury history and the need for an experienced receiver in the slot in a new offense. He's sure-handed, with only a 5.5 percent drop rate in 2022, so signing Campbell should help maintain Jones' impressive efficiency levels.

Second-round pick by the Colts in 2019, Campbell has played in 17 games for Indianapolis over his four seasons, recording 63 catches and 623 yards in 2022. He is an effective blocker in the open field who can create space by running through the line of scrimmage.

He's a speedy and shifty receiver who can create mismatches on the outside with his agility. With Wan'Dale Robinson and Sterling Shepard expected to make significant contributions in the Giants' new passing attack once their ACL tears heal, this should be no problem for him.

Another positive outcome of Campbell joining the Giants is their increased depth at wide receiver, where Darren Waller recently inked a one-year deal. Campbell joins Waller as another experienced pass catcher to join this talented group.

The addition of Campbell to the Giants' passing game will add another dimension and allow them to maximize their window with Daniel Jones early in his new contract. Last season, the former Ohio State star had an exceptional year, recording more receptions, yards and touchdowns than all of his prior three combined.

He could easily become New York's number-one receiver, and at 26 he is likely to have his best season ever. Additionally, as part of the Giants' effort to keep their aging core together while filling other positions, he could contribute on special teams as well.

Value

Parris Campbell is an exciting wide receiver with the potential to be a high-volume player for the New York Giants. At 25, Campbell has an incredible ceiling, so they are willing to take any risk to see if he can make it happen this season.

Campbell missed a significant portion of the 2022 NFL season due to injuries, but he returned to play all 17 games last season and recorded 63 receptions for 623 yards and three touchdowns. Though not a star receiver, his speed and sure-handedness make him an ideal slot option for the Giants.

Reports indicated the Colts were considering bringing Campbell back, but he ultimately chose a one-year contract with the Giants instead. At $3 million, it offers an attractive value at that, plus an additional $1.5 million in signing bonus money and $1 million in incentives if certain statistical milestones are achieved this season.

Moreover, this deal represents a considerable improvement over the previous contract Campbell signed in Indianapolis. It serves as an ideal way for him to demonstrate that he can return from injury and remain healthy throughout his career.

Furthermore, the Giants would have a clear path to extension should he perform well this season. With so much invested in him as receiver, there could be an early extension candidate this offseason.

He is a versatile player with the capacity to play both in the slot and on the outside, giving his offensive teammates multiple options. Additionally, with continued development as a slot player and taking advantage of passing game jet sweeps and reverses, he could become an effective high-volume threat.

The Giants have been taking steps to upgrade the receiving corps around quarterback Daniel Jones, and this addition serves as further evidence that they are willing to take risks at that position. With Darren Waller joining them from Oakland earlier this week in a trade with the Raiders and now Campbell joining them, the team should find ways to throw the ball to Jones more often.