The New York Giants head into the 2026 offseason with a defensive line group that, on paper, should be one of the most formidable in the league. But last season told a different story.
Despite the talent in the trenches, the Giants struggled mightily against the run, finishing second-to-last in rushing yards allowed per game-only the Bengals gave up more. That’s a glaring issue for a unit that was expected to be a strength, not a liability.
While some of that underperformance can be linked to the now-departed defensive coordinator Shane Bowen and a scheme that simply didn’t fit the personnel, the problems went deeper. The front seven lacked consistency, particularly on early downs, where opposing offenses were able to stay ahead of schedule far too often. That made life harder for the pass rush and exposed a secondary that also had its own share of issues.
Now, with Dennard Wilson taking over as defensive coordinator, there’s a renewed sense of direction. Wilson is expected to focus heavily on retooling the secondary, but the defensive line remains a foundational piece of any turnaround. And with the Giants looking to contend immediately under new head coach John Harbaugh, reinforcements up front are a must.
Enter Kenny Clark.
According to recent reports, the veteran defensive tackle is expected to be a cap casualty in Dallas. His contract includes an out with no dead money, making a release not just likely-it’s practically inevitable. If and when that happens, the Giants should be ready to pounce.
Clark, a three-time Pro Bowler and former first-round pick, was part of the return Dallas received in the Micah Parsons trade. But with the Cowboys undergoing a defensive overhaul of their own and sitting atop the league in salary cap commitments, they’re in cost-cutting mode. That opens the door for a division rival like the Giants to swoop in and capitalize.
At 31, Clark isn’t the dominant force he once was in Green Bay, but he’s still a capable interior presence. He finished the 2025 season with three sacks and 15 total pressures-solid production for a veteran who’s been asked to do a lot over the years. According to Pro Football Focus, his overall grade of 67.6 ranked 37th out of 134 qualified defensive tackles, while his pass rush grade of 72.4 was good for 21st at the position.
Where the drop-off is showing most is in the run game. His 53.7 run defense grade placed him 72nd, a noticeable decline from the elite run-stuffing anchor he was earlier in his career. But even with that regression, Clark remains a serviceable starter-especially when paired with a dominant force like Dexter Lawrence, assuming Lawrence returns in 2026.
The Giants need more than just bodies on the defensive line-they need experience, leadership, and someone who can help elevate the younger players in the room. Clark checks all those boxes. He’s been through playoff battles, understands the nuances of interior line play, and could serve as a steadying presence in a unit that’s still finding its identity.
If the Cowboys do move on from Clark, the Giants have a real opportunity to add a proven veteran at a potentially discounted rate. It’s the kind of low-risk, high-upside move that could pay dividends both on the field and in the locker room.
With a new coaching staff in place and expectations rising, the Giants can’t afford to miss on shoring up the defensive front. Kenny Clark might not be the long-term answer, but he could be exactly what this team needs in the short term to stabilize the interior and help turn one of last year’s biggest weaknesses into a strength.