As the New York Giants gear up for free agency, all eyes are on how the John Harbaugh-led regime will shape the roster around their promising quarterback, Jaxson Dart. With free agency kicking off on March 9, the anticipation is palpable. Two names have emerged as potential game-changers for the Giants: Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum and Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright, both highlighted by ESPN as ideal fits for the team.
Linderbaum, ranked third on ESPN’s top 50 free agents list, is a standout talent who won't come cheap. His familiarity with Harbaugh from their time in Baltimore could make the transition seamless.
Linderbaum's impressive 97.2% pass block win rate last season speaks volumes about his ability to anchor an offensive line, making him a coveted asset for the Giants’ zone and gap schemes. However, the Raiders are also in the mix, eyeing Linderbaum’s interior toughness.
Nahshon Wright, sitting at 37th on the list, brings a playmaking flair to the table, something the Giants desperately need in their secondary. With five interceptions and a pick-six last season, Wright’s 6-foot-4 frame and instincts are perfect for new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson’s Cover 2 and press-man strategies.
The Giants’ need for reinforcements at these positions partly stems from past drafting missteps. General Manager Joe Schoen's selections, such as center John Michael Schmitz and cornerback Deonte Banks, have not panned out as hoped.
Schmitz has struggled, and Banks has yet to make a significant impact. Additionally, last year’s investment in cornerback Paulson Adebo didn’t yield the expected results.
Cor’Dale Flott, who performed well in 2025, is now a pending free agent, adding urgency to the cornerback situation. While Flott isn’t on ESPN’s top 50 list, Giants slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson is, coming in at No. 40, with the Jets identified as a potential landing spot for him.
Linderbaum, a first-round pick in 2022, is entering free agency after the Ravens declined his fifth-year option. At 26, he’s in his prime, making him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their offensive line. Wright, drafted by the Cowboys in 2021, has found his stride with the Bears, earning his first Pro Bowl nod last year as a full-time starter.
While Linderbaum offers proven consistency, Wright’s breakout season shows promise. If Flott departs, addressing the cornerback position becomes even more critical for the Giants. As Harbaugh and his team weigh their options, these potential acquisitions could be pivotal in transforming the Giants into contenders.