The New York Giants are navigating NFL free agency with a mix of gains and losses. They've added tight end Isaiah Likely, reuniting him with new head coach John Harbaugh, but have seen wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson, fresh off a 1,000-yard season, depart for the Tennessee Titans.
Despite these changes, there's a cautious optimism in the Tri-State Area about the Giants' prospects for the upcoming season. The team seems confident in their future franchise quarterback, Jaxson Dart, and boasts a roster filled with talent on both sides of the ball.
Former Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant has been vocal about the Giants' moves. After Likely's signing, Bryant took to Twitter to predict that both the Giants and the Cowboys will be vying for NFC East dominance this season.
"This signing makes my analysis correct! Likely Cold!
He will be the #1 tight end in NY…. Makes sense why Dallas locking in the way they are!
Cowboys and Giants will be competing for the NFC east! You heard it first here!
Eagles and Commanders won’t be a thing this coming year!"
So, what’s the outlook for the Giants in 2026?
The Giants have struggled since their Super Bowl win in 2011, leaving their fan base eager for a turnaround. There are reasons to hope for a competitive 2026 season.
Dart's performance last season was solid, and while losing Robinson hurts, wideout Malik Nabers, a 2024 Pro Bowler, could return strong after his ACL injury. Likely adds another dimension to the passing game, offering Dart a reliable target.
Running back Cam Skattebo showed promise before a dislocated ankle cut his 2025 season short. Meanwhile, Tyrone Tracy Jr. contributed 740 rushing yards, 288 receiving yards, and four touchdowns, showcasing his versatility.
Defensively, there are concerns about the Giants' interior line and secondary. However, Brian Burns is coming off an outstanding season with 16.5 sacks and 31 quarterback hits. Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux remain key players in the front seven, and Abdul Carter, the No. 3 draft pick, still holds untapped potential.
The release of productive linebacker Bobby Okereke is a notable loss, but with Harbaugh, a Super Bowl-winning coach known for strong defenses, there's hope for improvement.
As for the Cowboys, their path to division success seems less certain. Following a 7-9 season in 2025, they've yet to make significant offseason moves and recently traded defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers.
Bryant's optimism about the Giants might hold some weight, but he could find himself disappointed with the Cowboys' performance in 2026. The Giants, with the right breaks, might just surprise everyone.