3 areas the Giants should target in free agency
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart looks on during the second half against the Cowboys on Jan. 4, 2026, at MetLife Stadium. Credit: Getty Images/Al Bello
John Harbaugh’s first offseason as Giants coach will ramp into another gear with free agency beginning Wednesday. Contract negotiations can start Monday.
There’s urgency to upgrade this roster after the Giants went 7-27 the last two seasons. How Harbaugh does it will be a clear sign of how fast things can improve in an effort to maximize Jaxson Dart’s second season.
Here are three areas the Giants need to target:
1. WIDE RECEIVER
Harbaugh has relied on run-heavy offenses most of his career. That doesn’t change the fact that the Giants need upgrades at receiver to help Dart.
Wan’Dale Robinson could leave in free agency. If he’s seeking a contract worth $17 million per year, as Spotrac projected for him, that’s too rich for the Giants, who just paid Darius Slayton last offseason and have other needs.
Whether or not they draft a receiver, the Giants could use another reliable veteran. Adding Isaiah Hodgins late last season showed the value of having someone who can be productive as a third receiver. Given the state of the room, that receiver could have a bigger role.
Malik Nabers is expected to be healthy by training camp, according to general manager Joe Schoen, but what shape will he be in after his ACL/meniscus injury? Slayton’s step back in 2025 shows that the veteran is better suited to be a No. 3 receiver.
The Bears and Patriots showed last season how much a second-year quarterback can improve with better pass receivers. It’s imperative that the Giants find that help for Dart regardless of whether Nabers can regain his form.
2. INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE
Andrew Thomas returning to an elite level at left tackle after foot surgery was a bonus during a terrible 2025 season. So was Jermaine Eluemunor bookending him at right tackle.
The Giants, however, need more offensive line depth, especially in the interior. Eluemunor is a free agent. So is guard Greg Van Roten, who could be re-signed to another one-year deal. At 36, however, Van Roten continues to be a short-term fix for a long-term need.
If Eluemunor leaves, there will be questions at tackle. Marcus Mbow filled in fine last year, but is he ready to take a leap in Year 2? James Hudson could be cut this offseason after he was benched nearly all season following his four penalties on one drive in Week 2.
As for the interior line, center John Michael Schmitz and left guard Jon Runyan Jr. have been solid, but not on Thomas’ level. Both will be free agents after next season, so their futures need to be evaluated.
In short, Harbaugh needs to radically fix the line. His run-first mentality makes this a priority, even if that means pursuing cheaper options than Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum. They need depth at guard and, regardless if Eluemunor re-signs, they need more help at tackle to push Mbow’s development.
The Giants were fifth in rushing offense last season. For that to be a strong suit in 2026, they need to strengthen the trenches.
3. INSIDE LINEBACKER
Cornerback remains one of the team’s biggest needs, especially if Cor’Dale Flott leaves in free agency. Deonte Banks’ days at the position are numbered, as he struggled any time he replaced Flott.
Bobby Okereke’s release this week made inside linebacker a more pressing need. The Giants’ run defense has been atrocious the last two seasons. As great as the outside linebackers have been, the inside linebackers have underwhelmed.
Darius Muasau struggled in his second season. Micah McFadden, now a free agent, suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 1. Muasau’s injuries last year also led to the Giants throwing out different linebackers to plug holes next to Okereke.
It didn’t work as the Giants ranked 31st in rushing defense.
The Giants could fix this in the draft. Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles was impressive at the NFL Combine with a 43 1⁄2-inch vertical leap and a 4.46 time in the 40-yard dash.
But one linebacker isn’t enough. Harbaugh’s reputation for strong middle linebacker play means the Giants should sign a veteran or two.
Similar to what happened with Dart last year, the Giants could add experience and leadership in that room if they target Styles with the No. 5 pick.
Notes & quotes: Ahead of free agency, receiver Gunner Olszewski reached an agreement on a one-year deal to re-sign with the Giants, a league source confirmed to Newsday. Olszewski led the Giants in kick and punt return yards last season. He also caught eight passes for 102 yards, both career highs, in the season finale against the Cowboys.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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