New York Giants Enter Final Stretch with Big Decisions Looming and Bigger Stakes Ahead
As the New York Giants head into the final four games of the 2025 season, the franchise finds itself at a critical crossroads - not just in terms of wins and losses, but in shaping the next era of Giants football. From key contract-year performances to front office uncertainty, and from draft implications to locker room culture, there’s a lot more on the line than just the scoreboard.
Contract-Year Surge: Robinson, Eluemunor, and Flott Playing for Big Paydays
Let’s start with three names that have been bright spots in an otherwise turbulent season: Wan’Dale Robinson, Jermaine Eluemunor, and Cor’Dale Flott. Each of them is playing the best football of their career - and the timing couldn’t be better for them.
Robinson has emerged as a consistent weapon in the passing game, showcasing the quickness and route-running that made him a second-round pick in 2022. Eluemunor, signed as a free agent in 2024, has been a steadying force on the offensive line, anchoring the right tackle spot with physicality and veteran savvy. Flott, a third-rounder from the same 2022 class, is finally putting it all together in the secondary, flashing the coverage skills and instincts that had scouts intrigued from day one.
All three are set to hit the open market after the season, and the Giants are going to have some tough decisions to make. The man who brought them in - GM Joe Schoen - could be fighting for his own job, which adds another layer of complexity to the offseason picture.
The Schoen-Dart Connection: A Franchise at a Fork in the Road
Speaking of Schoen, his future remains uncertain, and that uncertainty could impact everything from the coaching search to how the roster is built moving forward. One name tied closely to Schoen’s fate? Jaxson Dart.
Dart, the young quarterback drafted under Schoen’s watch, has shown flashes of potential - enough to believe he could be a long-term answer under center, but not enough to silence all doubt. His connection to Schoen is real, and it matters. Dart himself acknowledged the bond, saying, “He’s the one who drafted me so I definitely have a great relationship with Joe.”
If the Giants decide to move on from Schoen, it raises the question: Would a new regime be as committed to building around Dart? It’s a storyline that will define the offseason and could shape the next several years of Giants football.
A Historically Bad Run Defense: The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s talk defense - specifically, the run defense, which has been historically bad. The Giants are giving up 5.78 yards per carry, which isn’t just bad - it’s on pace to be the worst in nearly a century. You’d have to go all the way back to 1950, when the New York Yanks allowed 5.63 yards per rush, to find a team that came close to this level of futility.
Stopping the run has been a recurring issue for the Giants over the past three seasons, but this year’s performance has hit a new low. Whether it’s scheme, personnel, or execution - likely a mix of all three - the inability to control the ground game has put the defense in a constant bind.
Draft Position: Top-10 Pick Likely, But No. 1 Is a Long Shot
The silver lining to a tough season? Draft capital.
The Giants are all but guaranteed a top-10 pick - 99% odds, according to current projections - and have a 53% chance of landing inside the top five. But the dream of picking No. 1 overall?
That’s looking unlikely, with just a 9% probability.
Right now, the Las Vegas Raiders (44%), Tennessee Titans (21%), and New York Jets (11%) are ahead in the race for the top selection. The Giants are currently projected to pick fifth overall, with the Cleveland Browns jumping ahead into the No. 4 slot.
Mock Draft Watch: Spencer Fano a Name to Know
One early name to watch in mock drafts? Spencer Fano, the standout offensive tackle from Utah.
At 6'6", 302 pounds, Fano is a high-level athlete with the versatility to play either tackle spot - and maybe even kick inside to guard if needed. His ability to pull, climb, and screen has drawn comparisons to Penei Sewell, albeit in a lighter frame.
If the Giants end up in the No. 1 spot, it could be a prime opportunity to trade down and stockpile picks. But if they stay in the top five, Fano could be a foundational piece to help stabilize an offensive line that’s been inconsistent for too long.
Locker Room Bonding Over Baby Boom: "Dad Strength" Is Real
In a season filled with adversity, the Giants have found an unexpected source of unity - fatherhood. A baby boom has swept through the locker room, with players across multiple position groups welcoming new additions to their families.
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, who became a father for the second time during training camp, shared how the experience has brought the team closer.
“I’ve never seen it before,” Eluemunor said. “I’ve talked to Dexter Lawrence about it - he just became a first-time dad.
It’s really unique, because I’ve never been on a team where everyone is expecting a baby. So, people are just out now and then, because they’re having a baby, which is crazy to me.”
It’s a reminder that even in a tough season, there are moments that build chemistry and strengthen bonds - and sometimes, that off-field connection can translate into better play on Sundays.
Looking Ahead: Week 15 vs. Washington Commanders
Next up for the Giants: a divisional showdown with the Washington Commanders, who are dealing with their own share of injuries and inconsistencies.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels returned to action after missing three games with a dislocated elbow but exited again after landing awkwardly on the same arm. Head coach Dan Quinn said Daniels could have returned but was held out as a precaution. No long-term damage, just soreness - but his status for next week remains up in the air.
Meanwhile, veteran tight end Zach Ertz is officially done for the season after tearing his ACL. Quinn acknowledged the team’s struggles, particularly in games that have gotten away early. The Commanders have now lost five games by at least 20 points - a stat that’s become a focal point for Quinn as he looks to get his team back on track.
Final Thoughts
The Giants may not be playing for a playoff spot, but don’t mistake that for a meaningless December. These next four games are about more than draft position - they’re about evaluating talent, solidifying leadership, and setting the tone for what comes next.
Whether it’s the future of Joe Schoen, the development of Jaxson Dart, or the contract decisions looming for Robinson, Eluemunor, and Flott - every snap matters. The Giants are at a turning point, and how they close out the season could echo well into 2026 and beyond.