This would have been some tryout – if it was 2010.
The Giants brought in an array of former NFL pass-catching stars on Tuesday, spicing up the routine, weekly workouts with a Pro Bowl accent. Make that a past Pro Bowl accent.
Leaving no stone – no matter how ancient – unturned when it comes to seeing what some older or broken-down players might have left in the tank, the Giants took a look at Wes Welker, Hakeem Nicks and Chris Cooley, veterans who once were marquee players but currently are out of the league and looking for work.
The workouts came and went without a signing.
Welker, 34, became a free agent in March and has not garnered much interest around the league. He was with the Broncos last season. He has a long history of concussions. Welker has a connection with the Giants: His dropped pass in Super Bowl XLVI curtailed a Patriots drive and helped the Giants embark on their winning drive.
Welker is a 10-year NFL veteran who at one time was the most dangerous slot receiver in the game. He has 890 career receptions and five times surpassed 100 catches in a season.
Nicks is just 27, but his career has fallen on hard times since leaving the Giants after the 2013 season. He spent one unproductive year with the Colts and was released by the Titans this past summer. His legs appear to be shot.
Cooley, 33, has been out of the NFL since 2012 and has a history of serious knee problems. He was once a prolific pass-catching tight end for the Redskins and now works in radio in the Washington area.
Phillip Sims, a quarterback from Winston-Salem State, threw to the once-heralded targets.
Not much should be taken from these workouts. The Giants continually update their files and need to see these players on the field.
Victor Cruz is expected to make his 2015 debut on Sunday in Buffalo and there is no pressing need for another receiver, though there is not a proven No. 4 receiver on the roster.
The Jets tried out former Giants fullback Henry Hynoski on Tuesday, according to a source. Hynoski spent four years with Big Blue before getting cut earlier this month. The Jets also tried out former Bills and Eagles running back Bryce Brown, according to a source.
— With Brian Costello