Parris Campbell is ready for a new beginning.
The Giants’ new wide receiver, who signed in March on a one-year deal worth a base of $3 million with an additional $3.7 million in bonuses, emerged in minicamp as an important option in a Daniel Jones-led offense.
Campbell, at 6-foot and 208 pounds, made a name for himself in Indianapolis as a speedy pass-catcher who flashed tantalizing skills but played just 15 games over his first three seasons.
In 2022, Campbell stayed healthy for the first time in his career, notching personal bests with 63 catches, 623 yards, and three touchdowns.
He also recorded the single fastest speed in the league as a ball carrier with a 26-yard rush in Week 18 when he reached 22.11 mph, per Next Gen Stats.
The Giants, who ranked last in passing plays over 20 yards last season, could use Campbell’s speed to inject some energy into its improving offensive group, which will be led by Jones in his fifth season and is adding All-Pro tight end Darren Waller.
Campbell said he was looking forward to contributing to a wide receivers unit that will be the fastest one he’s been a part of in his career.
“I mean, we’ve got speed all across the board,” he said. “It’s speed that can do a lot of different things. It’s not just guys running in a straight line fast, it’s ball in the hands fast. In their routes fast. We complement each other. I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Receivers coach Mike Groh, who worked with Campbell in Indianapolis in 2020-21, said that Campbell already looks like a valuable addition.
“I think he’s done a great job of coming in and learning our system, being able to assimilate very quickly and build a relationship with Daniel out there on the field, build that kind of rapport that is really important between quarterbacks and receivers.”
Campbell has a chorus of injuries on his ledger — including a torn MCL and PCL and a broken foot.
His health remains the biggest obstacle to his success.
He said he understood that his injury history, some of which he characterized as “fluke things,” played a role in teams’ limited interest in him during free agency.
“Obviously now I got a chance to prove that I could stay healthy last year,” he said. “Just looking forward that I can do that the rest of my career.”