The New York Giants didn’t just make a splash by hiring John Harbaugh - they made a statement. And if Harbaugh’s early message is any indication, he’s not here for a slow rebuild.
He’s aiming for the playoffs in Year 1. Ambitious?
Absolutely. But with Harbaugh’s track record and a front office seemingly ready to back him, it’s not out of the question - especially if they hit the ground running in free agency.
One thing to watch closely: the Ravens pipeline. Harbaugh spent over a decade in Baltimore, and according to reports, he’s expected to lean heavily on that familiarity as he shapes the Giants’ roster. The buzz is that New York will be aggressive in targeting former Ravens players - guys who already know Harbaugh’s system, his expectations, and how he runs a locker room.
That’s not just about comfort; it’s about culture. Harbaugh wants players who can help establish his identity in the building from Day 1. Think of it as importing leadership - veterans who can be extensions of the coach on the field and in the huddle.
One name that’s already come up? Tyler Linderbaum.
The Ravens center is set to hit free agency, and he checks a lot of boxes for the Giants. He’s young, he’s talented, and perhaps most importantly, he’s battle-tested in Harbaugh’s system.
If New York wants to upgrade the interior of its offensive line - and let’s be honest, that’s been a recurring issue - Linderbaum would be a major step forward.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The Giants already have John Michael Schmitz at center, and he’s under contract for next season.
But if Linderbaum is in play, you don’t let positional overlap get in the way of talent. Schmitz could slide over to guard, where the Giants have a vacancy with Greg Van Roten headed to free agency.
It’s not a lock, but it’s a logical move that would solidify two spots on the line with one signing.
Of course, before any of that can happen, the Giants have to get their cap situation in order. Right now, they’re sitting at just $1.8 million in space - not exactly shopping money.
That means cuts, restructures, or trades are likely coming to free up room for impact additions. But if Harbaugh’s vision is as urgent as it sounds, expect the front office to get creative.
This is a pivotal offseason for the Giants. They brought in a proven winner in Harbaugh, and now it’s about giving him the tools to succeed. Don’t be surprised if some of those tools come straight from his old locker room in Baltimore.