Could Cager force his way into an expanded role?
During mandatory minicamp, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll did something coaches don’t often do. He offered unsolicited praise of one of his players — reserve tight end Lawrence Cager.
“I’ve been happy with Cage…Probably one of the most improved players throughout the offseason that we’ve had relative to playing fast, being able to use his speed, not thinking, being in the system here for a little bit,” Daboll said at the time. “I’ve been very happy with his progress.”
Cager told Big Blue View after Thursday’s practice that he was not aware of Daboll’s remarks.
“It really didn’t get back to me,” Cager said. “But, I mean, obviously as an individual it feels good to know that a coach believes in you and has seen the growth that you try to make for yourself.
“Just hearing that is just good. Like you said, any player will tell you that it’s good to know that your coach believes in you, but he [Daboll] believes in all his guys.”
Cager came to the Giants in the middle of the 2022 season after having been waived by the New York Jets. He caught 13 passes in seven games, including eight for 69 yards in a breakout Week 18 performance against the Philadelphia Eagles.
With Darren Waller on the team a season ago, Cager was a spare part. He spent some time on the practice, then appeared in 11 games. He was targeted just five times, with four catches.
Early in training camp, Cager has spent considerable time with the first team, often aligned in two-tight end sets with veteran blocking tight end Chris Manhertz. Daniel Bellinger is expected to be the starting tight end, but it is apparent that the Giants are looking at different personnel groups. Cager has perhaps been getting some reps that would have gone to rookie Theo Johnson if Johnson weren’t on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
On Wednesday, Cager had a highlight reel catch on a deep throw by Drew Lock:
Drew Lock goes deep to Lawrence Cager! pic.twitter.com/SYHAZ0bixI
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) July 24, 2024
Thursday, Cager caught a touchdown pass from Daniel Jones:
Daniel Jones ➡️ Lawrence Cager TD! pic.twitter.com/6M9lW6Fnrm
— The Giant Take Podcast (@TheGiantTakePod) July 25, 2024
Cager, a college wide receiver turned NFL tight end, has just 19 receptions in four seasons with the Giants, Jets, and Cleveland Browns.
Cager, 26, said his training has not changed. His changes, he admitted, were more spiritual.
“I was kind of immature for a little bit,” he said.
“Just really getting back into my work with God. I kind of lost Him and getting back on that path, and He kind of set me back on my path of my purpose and what I’m really here for in this life. And that’s been the most things, just God’s timing and patience. I was an impatient guy for a long time, just thought the world was going to be handed to me instead of going out and taking it, and working every day and winning each day and each moment. (I’ve just matured in a lot of ways, and I’m proud of myself more than anything that I don’t get in my own head anymore.”
Could Cager go from an afterthought to a regular part of the tight end rotation? That remains to be seen, but he is off to a good start.