Giants Enter Week 16 With Big Questions, Bigger Stakes, and No Interest in Tanking
As the New York Giants limp into Week 16 with a 2-12 record, there’s no shortage of storylines swirling around East Rutherford. From injuries and coaching rumors to a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Giants are at a crossroads. But don’t confuse a rough season with a team that’s given up-because inside that locker room, the mindset is still all about winning.
Thibodeaux Still Sidelined, Carter Stepping Up
The Giants' defense has been banged up all year, and this week is no different. Star edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux remains sidelined, which puts even more pressure on rookie standout Abdul Carter to keep delivering.
And so far? He’s been more than up to the task.
Carter, the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft, has quickly emerged as one of the league’s most disruptive young pass rushers. His Week 15 performance-highlighted by a strip sack of Marcus Mariota-earned him a 90.6 pass-rush grade from PFF, second only to Jonathan Greenard.
On the season, Carter leads all rookie edge rushers in pass-rush grade (80.4), pressures (48), and win rate (13.8%). That’s not just promising-that’s elite production from a first-year player on a struggling team.
Giants Players Aren’t Eyeing the Draft-They’re Playing to Win
Outside the building, fans and pundits are already talking about the Giants’ draft position. If the season ended today, New York would hold the No. 1 overall pick. But inside the locker room, nobody's thinking about April.
“We’re not gonna just throw a game away,” said running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. “We’re going out there to win, point blank, period.”
That mindset matters. In a league where tanking talk can dominate late-season narratives, the Giants are pushing back. Their players are focused on the here and now-on competing, on improving, and on showing what they’re made of, regardless of record.
The Dart Era Is Underway-And the Giants Are Building Around Him
Jaxson Dart hasn’t been perfect, but he’s shown enough for the Giants to believe he might be their guy. And that belief is shaping the team’s future.
With Dart on a rookie deal, the Giants are in that critical early window where smart roster building can accelerate a rebuild. Think of what the Patriots did around Drake Maye or how the Bears surrounded Caleb Williams with talent this past offseason. The Giants have a similar opportunity in 2026.
Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo give Dart a pair of dynamic weapons, and with a high draft pick (or two) coming in April, New York has a shot to add even more firepower. The challenge?
Navigating a tight cap situation. With just $26.6 million in projected space and major commitments to Brian Burns ($34.8M) and Dexter Lawrence ($27M), the Giants will need to get creative.
The draft will be their best tool for adding talent.
The Coaching Search: Offensive Mind or Proven Leader?
The Brian Daboll era didn’t work out, but that doesn’t mean the Giants are abandoning the idea of hiring another offensive-minded head coach. In fact, with a young quarterback like Dart, it might be the most logical route.
The risk with hiring a defensive head coach is that if your offensive coordinator succeeds, he’s gone in a year or two for a head coaching gig-leaving your QB to start over. That kind of instability can stall a young passer’s development. So, while the Giants should prioritize leadership and vision above all, an offensive background could be a key factor in their next hire.
One name that’s been floated is Marcus Freeman, currently at Notre Dame. While his massive buyout (rumored to be $40-50 million) complicates things, the Giants’ front office might be uniquely positioned to gauge his interest.
GM Joe Schoen has roots near South Bend, and director of player personnel Tim McDonnell has ties to Notre Dame as well. It’s a long shot, but not out of the question.
Draft Capital and the Trade-Down Temptation
If the Giants do end up with the No. 1 pick, they’ll face a massive decision. Stick with Dart and trade the pick? Or reset the quarterback clock again?
Right now, all signs point to the Giants sticking with Dart. That opens the door for a blockbuster trade with a QB-needy team.
New York doesn’t have as much draft capital as some of the other rebuilding franchises, but they do have a young roster and the potential to be much healthier by next fall. Add a few impact players in the draft, and this team could be back in the playoff hunt sooner than expected.
Projected picks: 1, 35, 101, 143, 182, 193, 194. That’s enough ammo to reshape the roster-if GM Joe Schoen can execute.
Week 16 Matchup: Giants vs. Vikings
The Giants head into Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings with a chance to play spoiler. Minnesota just lost safety Josh Metellus for the season due to a shoulder injury, thinning out their secondary. That could open up opportunities for Dart and the Giants’ offense to make some noise.
One player to watch? Vikings kicker Will Reichard, who’s quietly putting together an All-Pro caliber season.
He nailed a 53-yarder last week and owns a franchise-record 62-yard make from earlier this year. In a season where kickers have shined, Reichard’s been one of the best.
Looking Ahead
The Giants are out of the playoff picture, but they’re not out of stories. Between a rookie QB finding his footing, a defense led by a rising star in Abdul Carter, and a front office preparing for a pivotal offseason, there’s plenty to watch in these final three games.
And if you’re hoping for the Giants to tank? Don’t hold your breath. This team is still swinging.