Brandon Myers isn’t worrying or wondering whether there will be enough catches for him in an offense in which he doesn’t figure to be a top priority, because that’s not his top priority either.
“That’s not my style, really,” the Giants’ new tight end said yesterday. “Win some ballgames, make the playoffs. That’s really all that matters to me.”
Myers arrived as a free agent this offseason, having erupted with the Raiders last season when he had 79 catches for 806 yards. He tied for 18th in the NFL in receptions, and the only tight ends who hauled in more were elite tight ends, Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez and Jimmy Graham.
Though Myers hauled in 27 more passes than any other Raider, he will be competing for balls with established receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz and an emerging third wideout in Rueben Randle.
No Giants tight end has caught 60 passes in a season since Jeremy Shockey’s 66 in 2006-07. Last season’s starting tight end, Martellus Bennett, posted 55 for 626 yards. Though that would be a massive drop-off from Myers’ numbers last season, it likely will be his new reality.
Myers, who is playing on a one-year contract, said his numbers are not an issue. He hasn’t experienced the playoffs in his career — the Raiders never had a winning record in his four years and were 4-12 last season — and said he believes this is his best shot.
“Absolutely,” said Myers, who figures to make his debut in Saturday’s preseason game in Pittsburgh. “Get an opportunity to win some games, play in the playoffs, maybe get a little further, but yeah, I’m excited.”
The 6-foot-3, 256-pound Myers, who turns 28 next month, is attempting to build a rapport with a new quarterback and also learn a different offense, one he admitted is “complex.”
Myers is the Giants’ fourth starting tight end in as many seasons, following Kevin Boss, Jake Ballard and Bennett.
“We’ve been through this a few times with some new tight ends over the years,” Eli Manning said.
Manning worked well with Bennett from the start last season, connecting with him on 15 catches and three touchdowns in the first three games, but the franchise quarterback said he is confident Myers will be effective, too.
“[Myers] works hard during practice, in meetings, asking questions. He’s doing everything right,” Manning said. “I think he’s done a great job so far getting open versus our defense, making good reads. It’s all coming around.”