The Giants’ first stretch of camp has already produced the kind of instant takes that usually come with July football: panic, hype, and a little bit of both. After a chaotic opening few days in West Virginia, the early read on New York’s offense and defense is already starting to take shape.
The biggest worry so far centers on Jaxson Dart, and the concerns are tied to his adjustment period more than any long-term alarm. Practice reports have described the second-year quarterback as slow to process what he’s seeing, with the ball coming out later than it should.
Jordan Raanan of ESPN put it this way: "Jaxson Dart and the offense have struggled the past few days. Saturday was an up-and-down practice for the second-year quarterback learning a new offense."
That said, there’s no need to sound the alarm yet. Dart is 23, he’s learning a new offense under coordinator Matt Nagy, and early 11-on-11 work is exactly where mistakes tend to show up. The real question is how he responds over the next few days.
On the other side of the ball, Abdul Carter has looked every bit like the disruptive force the Giants hoped for. The edge rusher has been living in New York’s backfield during camp, and he’s even talked about having Defensive Player of the Year in 2026 in his sights.
Raanan described one especially strong practice this way: "Pass rusher Abdul Carter reminded everyone why he was the No. 3 overall pick last year. He was a menace in the second practice of the summer, constantly in the backfield and even getting credited with some sacks."
That kind of production fits with what Carter already showed last season, when he finished with 66 pressures. If camp is any indication, his sack total should climb in 2026.
Another early standout has been wide receiver Malachi Fields, who is making a case for a bigger role right away. Dan Duggan reported that Fields turned in an impressive catch over cornerback Greg Newsome on the second day of practice and has been getting "a ton of first-team reps."
Rookies always draw attention in camp, but Fields appears to be earning more than just buzz. If Malik Nabers is healthy, Fields probably won’t be in the Week 1 starting lineup. Even so, the early signs point to a meaningful role in the offense.
In Other News...
Darius Slaytons 2025 Suddenly Looks Different After New Giants Update
Darius Slaytons offseason took a sharp turn once the full scope of his nagging issue came into view. After dealing with a sports hernia through 2025, the veteran wideout tried to work his way back through rehab, but eventually needed surgery on both sides, a reminder of how much he was managing while trying to stay available for the Giants last season.
Now entering the second year of his three-year extension, Slayton is trying to reset in a receiver room that looks more crowded than it did a year ago. Giants coach John Harbaugh said Slayton is regaining strength and is expected to play a significant role, but the bigger question is how quickly he can get back to his usual level after an injury that clearly altered the path of his offseason. [Read more 🡒]
John Harbaugh Is Testing Giants Veterans And Jaxson Dart Early
Training camp has a way of exposing what a roster really is, and John Harbaugh is making sure the Giants feel that from the start. Around the building, the message has been about accountability, with players like Cam Skattebo and Darius Slayton acknowledging a coach who is quick to hold people responsible for their effort and their actions. It is the kind of early-camp tone that can sharpen a team fast, especially when the standard is being set publicly and without much wiggle room.
Harbaugh has not limited that approach to younger players either, which makes the situation even more interesting for a Giants group trying to sort out its hierarchy. Veterans have been in the mix, and so has Jaxson Dart, as the coach has reinforced expectations on and off the field. For a team still trying to define itself, the question is not whether Harbaugh is sending a message. It is how the veterans and the rookie quarterback respond once the real pressure starts to build. [Read more 🡒]