The New York Giants have been one of the most active teams in free agency as they have made significant roster additions. On paper, they are much better than the team that finished 4-13 in 2025.
Head coach John Harbaugh, general manager Joe Schoen and senior vice president of football operations Don Aponte deserve credit for addressing several key needs and streamlining the salary cap. The franchise is moving in a different direction under this new arrangement, and we're starting to see what the team will look like in 2026.
Here are five things we've learned so far about the Giants during free agency.
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Creating an ongoing game to discourage opponents
New York had the fifth-best rushing game in the league last year, averaging 129.1 yards per game. Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Scatebo both averaged more than four yards per carry, and now they will have fullback Patrick Rickard paving the running lanes.
The addition of the 6-foot-3, 300-pound Rickard will give the ground game an intimidating presence that will wear down defenses. The Giants' running game will be even more potent in 2026, and Tracy and Skattebo should have the most productive seasons of their young careers.
special teams emphasis
Given his special teams background and knowing how New York's special teams have struggled over the past few seasons, the 63-year-old head coach placed an emphasis on upgrading this weakness.
They accomplished this by acquiring their punter from the Baltimore Ravens in Jordan Stout, who was a first-team All-Pro in 2025. They then signed former Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Myers to a one-year contract. They re-signed Giants special teams ace Art Green and kick returner Gunner Olszewski, and added former Miami Dolphins special teams ace Elijah Campbell.
In 2025, Big Blue lost seven one-possession games, and special teams played a role in some of those losses. With an improved kicking game, the team should turn more one-score games into wins rather than losses in 2026.
Sending a message to veterans' veterans
Before the start of free agency, there were concerns about the New York Giants' wide receiver corps outside of Malik Nabors. Those concerns have been alleviated with the additions of Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin, but the front office and coaching staff have clearly sent a message to Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt with these two signings.
Slayton has been plagued with drops, and Hyatt has been a huge disappointment in his three years with the Giants, catching only 36 passes for 470 yards with zero touchdowns. Mooney's arrival could significantly reduce Slayton's role and put Hyatt's roster spot in serious jeopardy.
Giants' first-round selection shrouded in mystery
There is a lot of curiosity about what the Giants will do with the fifth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. There is speculation that they will take Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love, despite the fact that they are strong at the running back position.
Others think the decision of who they will draft will depend on three Ohio State players: Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, or Carnell Tate. Many mock drafts have these three taken in the first 10 picks, and all three could make an immediate impact as rookies.
Although New York has addressed all of the prospects' respective positions this offseason, none of the signings will prevent them from using their first pick in the draft at one of these positions. At this point, it would be surprising if New York didn't add Love or one of the former Buckeye players. But so far, none of them have emerged as clear favorites to go fifth overall.
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John Harbaugh's reputation continues as a legend
When the Ravens parted ways with John Harbaugh after 18 seasons, there were reports that Harbaugh's voice in the locker room was becoming stale. Those rumors appear to be false as many of his players from Baltimore have followed him to New York.
Isaiah Likely, Patrick Rickard, Jordan Stout and Ar'Darius Washington all followed their coach from Baltimore to New York because they believed in him. Others feel the same way, as New York is currently projected for a total of seven and a half wins, which is more than a season ago.
With a Super Bowl-winning head coach now in charge and the upgrades he has made throughout the roster, it is clear that the Giants are a franchise on the rise.
