Report: Giants Add Ex-Buccaneer Michael Clayton

by Jake Safane on Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 5:47PM

The ailing Giants are requesting the help of former first-round pick Michael Clayton to steady the ship.

In just two weeks, the Giants went from kings of the NFC to a team in despair. Not only have the Giants lost their last two games, the football gods have also added injury to insult.

Top receivers Steve Smith (pectoral) and Hakeem Nicks (leg) will be out for a couple weeks as the Giants try to make a playoff push. Plus, wideouts Ramses Barden and Victor Cruz are on injured reserve, leaving the Giants with just Mario Manningham and Derek Hagan as experienced receivers.

Enter Michael Clayton.

The ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneer enjoyed a fantastic rookie year in 2004, racking up nearly 1200 yards on 80 catches. Since then, the receiver has struggled to produce. The Bucs cut Clayton in September and he signed with the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL on Oct. 25. During his short stint in the UFL, Clayton grabbed five passes for 38 yards.

While Clayton may seem like just a fill-in for the Giants, he could prove to be a useful piece. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Clayton is a hard worker who excelled on special teams when he saw less snaps on offense in Tampa. With his size and work ethic, Clayton will make a nice target for Eli Manning and should see a jump in his numbers in the new environment.

The Giants have yet to officially announce the move as they'll have to make space on the roster. Assuming the deal goes through, however, Clayton could get his first chance in action against the Jaguars on Sunday.