Four Players the Giants Should Move On From in 2026 - and Why Joe Schoen Can’t Afford to Miss
If there’s a team under the microscope heading into 2026, it’s the New York Giants. And the pressure isn’t just on the players or the new head coach - it’s squarely on general manager Joe Schoen.
After a rocky few years and a 2025 campaign that fell flat, Schoen knows the clock is ticking. That’s why he swung big this offseason, landing longtime Ravens head coach John Harbaugh in a move that turned heads across the league.
But hiring Harbaugh is just the first step. Now comes the hard part: building a roster that can actually compete.
That means making smart additions - and just as importantly, knowing when it’s time to let go. Here are four players the Giants need to part ways with if they’re serious about turning the page and giving Harbaugh the tools to succeed.
1. James Hudson, OT - The Experiment That Never Got Off the Ground
When the Giants brought in James Hudson last March, the hope was that he’d provide some much-needed depth at tackle - a reliable insurance policy in case injuries hit. What they got instead was a liability.
His debut was rough, and Week 2 was even worse. After that, the coaching staff essentially pulled the plug.
Hudson didn’t see another offensive snap until the final game of the season, and even then, it was just a single play. His pass-blocking efficiency rating of 92.6 over two starts ranked 191st out of 200 linemen during that stretch - a number that speaks volumes. Combine that with minimal contributions on special teams, and it’s clear why his spot on the roster is in jeopardy.
Financially, cutting Hudson would free up around $5.4 million in cap space while incurring just $2.3 million in dead money. For a player who didn’t contribute meaningfully in any phase, that’s a trade-off the Giants should be willing to make.
2. Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DT - Time to Let the Youth Movement Take Over
Rakeem Nunez-Roches has been a solid rotational piece throughout his career, and at 33, he still has something left in the tank. But with free agency looming and a projected market value of $4.7 million, the Giants have to ask themselves: is that money better spent elsewhere?
Enter Darius Alexander. The rookie defensive tackle showed flashes late in the year that suggest he’s ready for a bigger role. Over the final six games of the season, Alexander racked up 11 tackles (three for loss), four quarterback hits, and three sacks - numbers that hint at real upside.
This isn’t about Nunez-Roches underperforming. It’s about making room for a younger, cheaper, and potentially more explosive option. The Giants have to prioritize development, and that means letting Alexander take the reins.
3. Evan Neal, OG - A Harsh Ending to a Once-Promising Story
Evan Neal’s time in New York appears to be nearing its end - and not with the fanfare that typically follows a former top-10 pick. Drafted No. 7 overall in 2022, Neal was supposed to be a cornerstone of the Giants’ offensive line. Instead, he’s become one of the most disappointing picks in recent franchise history.
Injuries and inconsistency have plagued his career, and 2025 was the breaking point. Neal didn’t play a single snap all season, sidelined by a hamstring injury and multiple healthy scratches. With his contract set to expire in about a month, there’s little reason to believe the Giants will bring him back.
At just 25 years old, Neal will likely get another shot somewhere else - and maybe a fresh start is what he needs. But in New York, the writing’s on the wall. It’s time for both sides to move on.
4. Russell Wilson, QB - A Hall of Fame Career Meets a Hard Truth
Russell Wilson still believes he can play at a high level. That confidence helped define his career - but now, it may be holding him back.
Since 2022, Wilson’s game has steadily declined. The mobility that once made him a nightmare for defenses is gone, and the deep-ball magic that defined his prime has all but disappeared.
The Giants took a chance on Wilson, hoping he could provide veteran stability - even in a backup role. But what they got was a quarterback who struggled to adapt and couldn’t elevate the offense. At this point, keeping him around would be more sentimental than strategic.
Wilson’s legacy is secure. He’s a 10-time Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl champion, and one of the most exciting quarterbacks of his generation.
But the Giants need to be honest about where he is now, not where he used to be. If they’re serious about building for the future, they can’t afford to let nostalgia cloud their judgment.
Bottom Line: Schoen Can’t Miss This Time
With John Harbaugh now in the building, the Giants have a chance to reset the culture - but only if they make the right personnel decisions. That means trimming the fat, saying goodbye to players who no longer fit the plan, and opening the door for younger talent to step up.
Joe Schoen is on the clock. These four moves won’t fix everything, but they’re a necessary start. The Giants can’t afford to get stuck in the past - not with so much riding on 2026.