Giants Offseason Buzz: Coaching Shakeups, Free Agency Targets, and a Roster on the Rise
The New York Giants are entering a pivotal offseason, and for the first time in a while, there’s a real sense of momentum building in East Rutherford. With John Harbaugh now at the helm, a fresh coaching staff taking shape, and a young roster showing signs of life, the Giants are positioning themselves to make noise in 2026. Let’s break down where things stand and what’s ahead for Big Blue.
Brian Callahan Joins as Quarterbacks Coach: A Key Move for Jaxson Dart
The Giants have reportedly hired Brian Callahan as their new quarterbacks coach, and it’s a move that could pay serious dividends for second-year QB Jaxson Dart. Callahan brings a strong pedigree, having worked with the likes of Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford, and Joe Burrow. That’s not just name-dropping - it’s a resume that speaks to his ability to develop quarterbacks in different systems and stages of their careers.
For Dart, who showed flashes of brilliance but also took his share of lumps as a rookie, Callahan’s arrival provides a much-needed stabilizing force. Dart’s aggressive play style energized the offense, but it also left him vulnerable to hits and inconsistency. With Callahan in his ear and Harbaugh overseeing the operation, the Giants are clearly investing in Dart’s development as their potential franchise quarterback.
Free Agency Focus: Protecting Dart, Supporting the Defense
If there’s one thing the Giants need to prioritize this offseason, it’s protecting their young quarterback. That’s where veteran tackle Jermaine Eluemunor comes in.
According to PFF, Eluemunor and Andrew Thomas formed one of the most effective tackle duos in the league last season, allowing the sixth-lowest pressure rate among all pairs. Eluemunor may be 31, but his pass-blocking efficiency (98.0) ranked among the best in the NFL.
An extension here makes sense - lock down the edges and turn your attention to shoring up the interior.
On the other side of the ball, the Giants have a glaring issue against the run. They finished near the bottom of the league in both rushing yards allowed and yards per carry.
Dexter Lawrence continues to dominate, but he needs help. Enter D.J.
Reader - a 335-pound run-stuffer who could immediately plug gaps and free up the likes of Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Abdul Carter to do what they do best: get after the quarterback. Reader may be turning 32, but his skill set is exactly what New York’s defensive front is missing.
Wide Receiver Situation: Wan’Dale Robinson’s Breakout Year
While Malik Nabers’ season-ending injury was a tough blow, it opened the door for Wan’Dale Robinson to emerge - and he delivered in a big way. Robinson notched his first 1,000-yard season in 2025, proving he can be a high-volume target despite his smaller frame (5’8”, 185 pounds). His versatility and explosiveness make him a valuable piece in any offensive scheme, and with Nabers set to return, the Giants could be looking at a dynamic one-two punch at wide receiver.
John Michael Schmitz’s Future at Center?
The offensive line remains a work in progress, and John Michael Schmitz’s future at center is suddenly in question. While he’s been solid when healthy, Schmitz has yet to complete a full season, and the drop-off to backup Austin Schlottmann last year was minimal.
With Harbaugh in charge, there’s buzz that the Giants could pursue Ravens free agent Tyler Linderbaum - one of the top centers on the market and a player Harbaugh knows well. That would be a bold move, but one that aligns with the team’s renewed emphasis on protecting Dart and building from the trenches out.
Draft Watch: What the Experts Are Saying
With the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Giants are doing their homework. Safety Caleb Downs continues to gain traction in mock drafts as a potential first-round target, and Louisville wideout Chris Bell is another name to watch as the team looks to add depth and playmaking ability to its receiving corps.
Dane Brugler’s latest top-100 list offers a glimpse into the broader draft landscape, and the Giants are expected to be active in scouting both offensive line talent and defensive reinforcements. With Harbaugh’s track record of maximizing young players, this draft could be a turning point.
Playoff Predictions: Are the Giants Ready to Take the Leap?
There’s growing belief around the league that the Giants are primed for a breakout. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Aaron Schatz both see New York as a playoff team in 2026, citing the Harbaugh effect, the return of Malik Nabers, and expected Year 2 leaps from Dart and Carter. While the Giants finished 4-13 last season, their underlying metrics suggested a team closer to 7-10 - a sign that they weren’t as far off as the record indicated.
Mike Garafolo also weighed in, noting Dart’s toughness and potential to become “the guy” in New York. It’s clear the organization believes in him - now it’s about putting the right pieces around him.
Key Dates: Early Start for Giants’ Offseason Program
Thanks to the coaching change, the Giants can begin their offseason program on April 6 - two weeks earlier than teams with returning coaches. That’s a valuable head start for a team installing a new system and trying to build cohesion on both sides of the ball.
Bottom Line: The Giants Are Building Something
After years of false starts and frustration, the Giants finally appear to have a plan - and the leadership to execute it. Harbaugh brings credibility and structure.
Dart brings upside. The roster is young, hungry, and on the rise.
With a smart offseason - retaining key veterans like Eluemunor, adding a run-stopper like Reader, and continuing to build through the draft - New York could go from rebuilding to contending faster than many expect.
The NFC East is no cakewalk, but don’t be surprised if the Giants crash the playoff party in 2026. They’ve got the coach.
They’ve got the quarterback. Now it’s time to finish the build.