Giants Enter Critical Offseason with Harbaugh at the Helm and Dart at the Center
The John Harbaugh era in New York is officially underway, and while the Giants’ new head coach brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record, his first major test has already arrived-building a staff that can maximize the talent of franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Harbaugh had hoped to bring Todd Monken along with him from Baltimore, but those plans were upended when the Cleveland Browns swooped in and hired Monken as their new head coach. That move caught Harbaugh off guard.
“I tried to talk him out of it,” Harbaugh admitted. “I really thought he was coming with us, but Cleveland was in there all along.
He wanted this opportunity. He got it, and I’m proud of him.
But now we’ve got to go to work.”
That work starts with finding the right offensive coordinator-a decision that could shape the trajectory of the Giants’ offense for years to come. Harbaugh and the front office are already on the move, reportedly interviewing Chargers quarterbacks coach Shane Day for the role. Day has experience developing signal-callers and could be a strong fit for Dart’s continued growth.
The Giants’ leadership-from ownership down through the coaching staff-knows full well that their success hinges on Dart. Quarterbacks are the engine of any modern NFL team, and while the Giants believe they’ve found their guy, surrounding him with the right system and support is everything. This isn’t just about X’s and O’s-it’s about building a culture and infrastructure that allows Dart to thrive.
So yes, this coordinator search may not show up in the standings, but make no mistake: it’s Harbaugh’s first defining moment in New York.
Building a Team to Beat the Eagles
Harbaugh isn’t just thinking about the offense, though. He’s already made it clear-this team needs to be built to compete with the Philadelphia Eagles. That’s the bar in the NFC East, and Harbaugh knows it.
The Giants are starting from a better place than some might think. While they’ve got holes to fill-wide receiver, right guard, right tackle, defensive tackle, inside linebacker, and cornerback to name a few-they’ve also got a solid core.
Wide receiver Malik Nabers has the makings of a star. Left tackle Andrew Thomas remains one of the league’s most reliable blindside protectors.
Dexter Lawrence anchors the defensive line, while edge rushers Brian Burns and Abdul Carter give the Giants real juice off the edge. That’s a foundation most rebuilding teams would envy.
But let’s not sugarcoat it: New York’s financial flexibility is limited compared to what the Patriots had last offseason. If the Giants want to replicate New England’s quick turnaround under Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye, they’ll need to be surgical in free agency and sharp in the draft. The margin for error is thin.
Free Agency Hits and Misses
Speaking of free agency, the Giants had their share of hits and misses in 2025.
The best move? Re-signing veteran guard Greg Van Roten to a one-year deal.
At 35, Van Roten was a rock in pass protection, posting a 70.1 pass-blocking grade and leading the team in offensive snaps. He didn’t just hold up-he anchored the line.
On the flip side, the signing of EDGE Chauncey Golston didn’t pan out. The Giants gave him a three-year, $19.5 million deal, but he managed just 173 snaps and five pressures. With depth already at the edge position, that money could’ve been better spent elsewhere.
A CEO Coach in a High-Stakes Market
At 63, Harbaugh is the oldest coach hired this cycle. But he’s also the most seasoned.
He doesn’t need a crash course in leading a team or navigating the spotlight of a major media market. He’s been through the wars, and he knows what it takes to build a winning program.
Still, this is a new challenge. Harbaugh’s tenure in Baltimore had grown stale by the end, and now he’s tasked with connecting to a younger roster and orchestrating a rebuild in one of the league’s most demanding cities. It’s not just about installing a scheme-it’s about establishing a new identity.
The good news? Harbaugh has the credibility and the leadership chops to do it. The question now is: can he do it quickly enough to keep pace in a loaded NFC East?
Around the League
Elsewhere in the NFL, the Commanders are projected to enter free agency with roughly $51 million in cap space-plenty of room to reshape their roster. The league-wide salary cap is expected to land somewhere between $301.2 million and $305.7 million per team for the 2026 season, giving teams a bit more breathing room.
The Vikings made a major move, firing general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after a disappointing season. And in New England, Drake Maye did not practice Friday, a development worth monitoring as the offseason progresses.
What’s Next for the Giants?
The Giants’ coaching staff continues to take shape, with former Ravens defensive backs coach Donald D’Alesio joining Harbaugh’s staff. The team is also deep into draft prep, with early scouting reports on prospects like TCU safety Bud Clark and a clear focus on wide receiver in early mock drafts.
At the Senior Bowl, defensive lineman Caleb Banks turned heads with a strong performance on Day 3, adding another name to watch as the Giants look to plug holes across the roster.
This offseason is about more than just plugging holes, though. It’s about setting a new tone. With Harbaugh in charge and Dart under center, the Giants believe they’ve got the leadership and the quarterback to turn things around.
Now comes the hard part-turning belief into results.