With free agency just around the corner, the New York Giants are staring down a critical offseason-especially on the defensive side of the ball. After a 2025 campaign where the defense struggled mightily, particularly in the secondary, the front office is signaling a clear shift in direction. The recent additions of John Harbaugh to the coaching staff and Dennard Wilson as defensive coordinator underscore a renewed focus on fixing the back end of the defense and tightening up the coverage schemes that too often fell apart last season.
One name that makes a lot of sense for this next phase of the rebuild? Safety Alohi Gilman.
Why Gilman Fits the Giants' Blueprint
Gilman isn’t just another name on the free agent board-he’s a tone-setter. After being traded midseason from the Chargers to the Ravens in 2025, he stepped into a new system and immediately became a difference-maker. He played over 93% of Baltimore’s defensive snaps, earned the team’s highest PFF tackling grade (83.3), and brought a level of consistency and physicality that helped stabilize the Ravens’ secondary.
In total, Gilman racked up 90 tackles, 9 pass deflections, and 2 fumble recoveries-production that speaks to both his range and reliability. But beyond the stat sheet, he was the kind of communicator and enforcer the Giants sorely lacked last season. For a defense that gave up a staggering 2,470 rushing yards, adding a safety who can fill the alley and clean up missed assignments is more than a luxury-it’s a necessity.
A Familiar Scheme, A Natural Fit
Gilman’s 2025 season in Baltimore came under the watch of John Harbaugh, who now brings his leadership to the Giants. And while Dennard Wilson wasn’t with the Ravens last year, he knows the system intimately from his time there in 2023 as the defensive backs coach. The scheme DNA is similar-multiple looks, disguised coverages, and a premium on safeties who can both hit and cover.
That’s where Gilman becomes especially intriguing. His ability to read and react post-snap, disguise coverages, and serve as the back-end quarterback of the defense makes him an ideal mentor for younger safeties like Tyler Nubin and Dane Belton.
With Belton heading into free agency and Nubin coming off a rough 2025 season, the Giants need a stabilizing force in the room. Gilman checks that box-and then some.
There’s also a potential draft wrinkle here. If the Giants are eyeing Alabama safety Caleb Downs with the No. 5 overall pick, Gilman could serve as a bridge starter-someone who can lead the room while the rookie acclimates to the speed and complexity of the pro game. He’s the kind of veteran who helps a transition go smoothly, both on the field and in the locker room.
Cap-Conscious, Impact-Ready
Now, let’s talk dollars and sense. Gilman isn’t going to break the bank.
His projected market value sits around $4.1 million per year, with most estimates pointing to a two-year deal in the $8-10 million range. For a team navigating a tight 2026 cap situation, that’s a manageable number-especially when you consider the leadership, toughness, and scheme fit he brings.
The Giants already have Jevon Holland locked in on a significant deal, but depth and versatility are critical in today’s NFL. Gilman gives them both.
He’s a plug-and-play starter who can also help bring along the next generation of defensive backs. And he does it without forcing the Giants to sacrifice flexibility in other areas of the roster.
The Bottom Line
If the Giants are serious about revamping their defense-and all signs point to yes-then Alohi Gilman should be high on their free agency radar. He brings experience, physicality, and a deep understanding of the type of defense Dennard Wilson wants to run. He’s not just a short-term patch; he’s a culture piece who can help set the tone for a unit that needs to rediscover its identity.
In a league where smart, tough, and versatile safeties are at a premium, Gilman could be exactly what Big Blue needs to turn the page.