The New York Giants are heading into an offseason that could shape the next five years of football in East Rutherford-and not just because of who they might bring in. This time, it’s just as much about who they’re willing (and able) to keep.
Sure, the search for a new head coach-and potentially a new general manager-is the headline. But beneath that, the real work starts with seven key contributors set to hit free agency. For Joe Schoen, or whoever’s calling the shots come March, the challenge is clear: separate the long-term building blocks from the replaceable parts of a team still trying to climb out of the NFC basement.
The Giants have around $17.3 million in immediate cap space, which doesn’t offer much breathing room. But the real lever is the projected $113 million in space for 2027. That sets the stage for some creative contract structuring-backloaded deals that allow the team to retain core talent now without blowing up the books in the short term.
And make no mistake: these decisions aren’t just about numbers. They’re statements-about how the Giants value their own, about what kind of culture they’re trying to build, and about whether this front office can actually identify and reward success.
Let’s break it down.
Wan’Dale Robinson: The $20 Million Security Blanket
If there’s one player who’s earned a serious payday, it’s Wan’Dale Robinson. When Malik Nabers went down with an ACL tear, Robinson didn’t just step up-he became the focal point of the passing game. He’s on pace to crack 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, and he’s done it not as a gadget guy, but as a legit go-to weapon.
In today’s NFL, where top receivers are commanding $20 million-plus per year, Robinson has played his way into that conversation. He’s no longer just a slot receiver; he’s the guy who keeps drives alive and occasionally breaks the big one.
That’s rare. And for a team with a young quarterback room still finding its footing, having a reliable, explosive target like Robinson is more than a luxury-it’s a necessity.
Of course, there’s a counterpoint. The Giants are likely picking in the top five again, and this draft class is loaded with receiver talent.
Spending big at a position you could potentially fill with a rookie contract is always a tough call, especially with other roster holes to address. But Robinson’s production, versatility, and chemistry with the offense make him a strong candidate to be part of the long-term core.
Jermaine Eluemunor: Quietly Holding the Line
It hasn’t been flashy, but Jermaine Eluemunor has been one of the most dependable pieces of the Giants’ offensive line this season. At right tackle, he’s provided a level of stability the team hasn’t seen in years. That kind of consistency is hard to find-and even harder to replace.
Eluemunor is set to turn 31 next season, but he’s outperformed his two-year, $14 million deal and is likely looking at something closer to three years and $48 million. A smart structure-perhaps with a team-friendly out after Year 2-would give the Giants security through 2026 without overcommitting to an aging lineman.
For a team that’s struggled to protect its quarterbacks and establish any kind of offensive rhythm, keeping Eluemunor in the fold makes a lot of sense. He’s not just a stopgap; he’s a stabilizer.
Cor’Dale Flott and the Emerging Secondary
On the defensive side, Cor’Dale Flott has started to show why the Giants took him in the third round. After an uneven start to his career, Flott has settled into a solid CB2 role-something this team has been searching for. He’s young, improving, and plays a premium position where even average starters get paid.
Locking him up now, before he fully breaks out, could be a savvy move. You don’t want to be negotiating with a cornerback after a Pro Bowl season.
Micah McFadden is another name to watch. He’s not a star, but he brings energy and grit to the linebacker corps. He’ll likely be a cheaper extension candidate, and if he returns to form in 2026, he’s the kind of depth piece you want to keep around.
Tough Goodbyes and Smart Depth Moves
Not every decision will be difficult. Some players are easy keepers.
Veteran guard Greg Van Roten might be 37, but he’s still a valuable depth piece on the offensive line. He won’t cost much-likely a veteran minimum-type deal-and you can never have too many reliable bodies in the trenches.
Dane Belton also fits the mold of a player who brings value beyond the stat sheet. He’s a contributor on special teams and offers depth at safety, which becomes crucial over a long season. These are the kinds of low-cost, high-utility players that good teams quietly rely on.
Then there’s Daniel Bellinger. He’s a strong blocker and a capable receiver, but in today’s NFL, the tight end position demands more juice.
The Giants need dynamic playmakers, and Bellinger-solid as he is-might not have the ceiling the team is looking for. With limited cap space and bigger priorities, he could be the odd man out.
The 2027 Cap Space Play
Here’s the real strategy: build now, pay later. With a projected $113 million in cap space for 2027, the Giants have a rare opportunity to front-load their roster with talent and defer the financial hit. That means most of the big extensions-Robinson, Eluemunor, Flott-will likely come with modest 2026 cap hits that balloon the following year.
It’s a calculated risk. If you miss on the talent, you’re stuck with bad contracts when the bill comes due.
But if you hit? You’ve locked in core players before the market explodes even further.
The Bottom Line
This offseason isn’t just about fixing holes-it’s about setting a tone. Paying players like Robinson and Eluemunor sends a clear message: perform well, and you’ll be rewarded.
That matters in the locker room. It matters in free agency.
And it matters to a fan base that’s tired of watching homegrown talent walk out the door.
The Giants don’t need to swing for the fences this offseason-they need to hit smart, solid doubles. Keep the guys who’ve earned it, use the draft to fill in the rest, and build a foundation that can actually support a winning team.
Because in today’s NFL, competency costs. And the Giants are about to find out just how much.