Giants’ Safety Situation: A Mess in Transition, but Is Help on the Horizon?
The New York Giants’ safety room has gone through more turnover than a bakery on Sunday morning - and the results have been just as inconsistent. Since Joe Schoen took over as general manager, the back end of the Giants' defense has been a revolving door of talent, missed opportunities, and head-scratching decisions.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Schoen inherited two solid leaders in Xavier McKinney and Julian Love.
Both were team captains, both were productive, and both are now thriving elsewhere. Love walked after 2022, landing a two-year, $12 million deal with the Seahawks, then re-upped with Seattle on a three-year, $33 million extension.
McKinney followed suit, cashing in with the Packers on a four-year, $68 million contract after the 2023 season. That's a lot of talent - and leadership - out the door.
Schoen’s initial response? Go cheap.
Jason Pinnock and Dane Belton stepped in as stopgaps, and then came the 2024 NFL Draft, where the Giants used the 47th overall pick on Tyler Nubin. It was a calculated swing - Nubin had the ball skills at Minnesota, setting the school record for interceptions, and flashed promise early.
But Year 2 exposed some cracks in the foundation.
To patch things up heading into 2025, Schoen made a splash, signing Jevon Holland to a three-year, $45.3 million deal. On paper, it was a strong move.
In practice? The return on investment in Year 1 was underwhelming.
Still, with a new defensive structure on the horizon, there’s reason to believe both Holland and Nubin could benefit from a fresh start.
2025 Season Recap: Mixed Results and Missed Tackles
Tyler Nubin
Nubin’s sophomore campaign was a step backward.
He often found himself outmatched in space, particularly when asked to chase backs up the sideline. But let’s be fair - he wasn’t always put in position to succeed.
The gaps on the backside of the defense were too often left unattended, forcing Nubin to cover more ground than his speed would allow.
Statistically, Nubin logged 71 tackles, 15 of them missed - a concerning 16.9% missed tackle rate. He did rack up 20 STOPs near the line of scrimmage, but the ball-hawking ability that defined his college career hasn’t translated to the pros just yet.
Two passes defensed, zero interceptions in two seasons. He missed the final two games of the year with a neck injury, and moving forward, his best fit might be closer to the line of scrimmage in a hybrid role - think Dane Belton with a little more thump.
Dane Belton
Speaking of Belton, the 25-year-old quietly put together his best season in 2025, just in time for free agency.
He played 705 defensive snaps, started nine games, and filled in admirably when Holland and Nubin were sidelined. His versatility was on full display - deep safety, box defender, slot - and he delivered 94 tackles with just four misses (a tidy 4.1% missed tackle rate).
Add in 16 STOPs, four passes defensed, and one interception, and you’ve got a player who did a little bit of everything.
Belton might not be a star, but he’s a glue guy - reliable, smart, and effective in multiple roles. He’s earned a shot at a bigger opportunity, whether that’s in New York or elsewhere.
Jevon Holland
Holland arrived with high expectations after showing ball-hawking prowess at Oregon and early in his NFL career with Miami.
But his first year in blue didn’t exactly light up the stat sheet. He finished with 57 tackles, three passes defensed, and one interception - though he did have a pick-six called back due to an offside penalty.
He also committed four penalties and missed seven tackles (10.9% missed tackle rate).
Holland wasn’t a liability, but he wasn’t a difference-maker either. His impact felt muted, especially considering the contract. That said, with a new defensive coordinator incoming, there’s still hope that Holland can recapture the playmaking spark that made him such a coveted free agent in the first place.
Raheem Layne and Beau Brade
Depth was thin, and it showed.
Layne played 105 snaps and brought some physicality, but his 27.3% missed tackle rate is a red flag. Brade saw just one defensive snap all season - a 29-yard catch by Marvin Mims Jr. in crunch time against Denver.
Not much to evaluate there.
Looking Ahead to 2026: What’s Next for the Giants’ Safety Room?
With John Harbaugh now in charge, all eyes are on who he’ll bring in as defensive coordinator - a decision that will shape the future of this unit. There’s also buzz around Ohio State star Caleb Downs, a top safety prospect who’s been linked to the Giants in early draft chatter.
Now, let’s be clear: taking a safety at No. 5 overall is a bold move, especially given the positional value debate and Schoen’s track record with this group. But Downs isn’t your average safety.
He’s got the rare trifecta - recognition, range, and run support - and he’s the kind of player who can change the geometry of a defense. With Downs on the field, a team can stay in two-high shells, bait the run, and still fit gaps with authority.
He’s a middle-of-the-field eraser with instincts and athleticism that jump off the tape.
If the Giants do go that route, it would likely shift Nubin into a more defined sub-package, hybrid linebacker role - one that better suits his skill set. Downs, meanwhile, would immediately become one of the most impactful defenders on the roster, outside of the defensive line and edge group.
But if Downs isn’t the pick, don’t expect the Giants to double-dip at safety. A player like Myles “Ghost” Rowser from Arizona State could be a Day 2 option, but unless the front office sees a can’t-miss fit, the focus may stay on developing what they have.
Belton’s Future
Belton’s situation is one to watch.
He never got a full-time starting opportunity during his rookie deal, despite the departures of Love and McKinney. He earned his reps in 2025 due to injuries, but he may want a clearer path to a starting job elsewhere.
Still, a new coaching staff could change the equation. If Schoen and Harbaugh see value in keeping Belton around, a reunion isn’t off the table.
Potential Depth Moves
Should Belton leave, depth becomes a concern again.
A name to keep in mind: Alohi Gilman, who played under Harbaugh in Baltimore last season. He’s a high-IQ safety who could step in and stabilize the room if needed.
Final Thoughts
The Giants’ safety situation has been a rollercoaster - from losing proven talent, to betting on upside, to overhauling the room with mixed results. But with a new coaching staff and potential draft capital to spend, there’s a window to finally get it right.
Whether it’s unlocking Holland’s potential, redefining Nubin’s role, or swinging big on a player like Caleb Downs, the Giants have options. The question is: will they finally find the right combination to bring stability - and playmaking - back to the back end of their defense?