The New York Giants just made their biggest move in years - and it might be the one that finally turns the tide for a franchise that’s been stuck in neutral for far too long. John Harbaugh, a Super Bowl-winning head coach with a proven track record of building consistent winners, is heading to the Meadowlands.
And he’s not coming alone. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the architect behind Baltimore’s top-ranked 2024 offense, is expected to join him in New York.
That pairing alone brings credibility, structure, and a clear offensive identity to a team that’s been searching for one.
But the Giants’ rebuild doesn’t stop on the sidelines. With 19 Ravens players set to hit unrestricted free agency, there’s a real opportunity for GM Joe Schoen to bring in guys who already know Harbaugh’s system - and more importantly, know how to win in it. Let’s take a closer look at five potential free-agent targets the Giants should seriously consider as they begin this new chapter.
Isaiah Likely, TE
If the Giants want to give Jaxson Dart a legitimate two-tight end look, Isaiah Likely is the guy to watch. At 6'4" and 241 pounds, he’s a versatile weapon who can line up in multiple spots and create mismatches - especially in Todd Monken’s beloved 12 personnel sets. Baltimore ran more 12 personnel than any team in the league last season (37% of snaps), and Likely thrived in that system.
While Mark Andrews was the primary tight end, Likely made the most of his opportunities. He caught 27 of 34 targets for 307 yards and a touchdown in 2025, but it was his 2024 season that really popped - 49 catches, 603 yards, and seven touchdowns in an offense that led the league. He’s not just a complementary piece; he’s a playmaker in his own right.
If the Giants move on from Daniel Bellinger or Chris Manhertz, Likely could slot in as a 1A alongside rookie Theo Johnson. He brings receiving upside and enough blocking ability to keep defenses honest.
Spotrac pegs his market value around $9 million per year, which puts him in the same financial ballpark as Hunter Henry and Dawson Knox. That’s a fair price for a tight end with ascending potential in a familiar system.
Charlie Kolar, TE
If the Giants want to dip into the Ravens’ tight end room but at a lower cost, Charlie Kolar is another intriguing option. He’s not as dynamic as Likely, but he’s reliable, versatile, and has experience in Monken’s offense.
In 2025, Kolar caught 10 of 13 targets for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Not eye-popping numbers, but solid considering he was third on the depth chart behind Andrews and Likely.
Kolar’s college tape tells a fuller story. At Iowa State, he was a go-to target for Brock Purdy, catching 63 passes for 764 yards and six touchdowns in his final season.
He finished his career with 23 touchdowns and was a consistent red-zone threat. In Baltimore, he also proved he could block - a key trait in Monken’s multiple-tight-end schemes.
He’s not going to break the bank, and he’s not going to steal the spotlight. But as a depth piece with upside and scheme familiarity, Kolar would be a smart, low-risk addition.
Patrick Ricard, FB
Yes, fullbacks still matter - especially when they’re 300-pound battering rams with surprising athleticism. Patrick Ricard might not be a flashy signing, but he would bring a physical edge to the Giants’ offense that’s been missing for years. At 31, Ricard still logged 274 offensive snaps in 2025, helping Monken deploy 21 personnel (two backs, one tight end) at an 18% clip.
Ricard is more than just a lead blocker. He’s a chess piece that opens up the playbook - allowing for motion, misdirection, and a more diverse rushing attack. If the Giants want to get the most out of Cam Skattebo and reestablish a power run game, Ricard could be a tone-setter.
Reuniting him with Harbaugh and Monken makes a lot of sense. He knows the system, brings leadership, and adds a level of toughness that every locker room needs.
Daniel Faalele, G
Daniel Faalele is a mountain of a man - 6’8”, 380 pounds - and while his NFL journey has been a bit rocky, there’s still plenty of upside here. Over the past two seasons, he played over 1,000 snaps at right guard for the Ravens, giving up 63 pressures and five sacks, along with 11 penalties. Not ideal, but the raw tools are there.
The Giants could use depth along the interior offensive line, and Faalele offers a different kind of profile than what they currently have. He’s not as refined as Greg Van Roten, who’s held down the right guard spot admirably, but Faalele brings sheer size and strength that could be molded under the right coaching.
He also has experience playing tackle, which adds versatility. If the price is right, Faalele is the kind of low-risk, high-upside signing that could pay off down the line - especially if the Giants want to get more physical up front.
Tyler Linderbaum, C
This one’s a bit more complicated. Tyler Linderbaum is a high-end run blocker - one of the best in the league, in fact.
He graded out with the 19th-best run-blocking mark among linemen who played at least half of their team’s snaps in 2025. But he’s also a player with some clear limitations in pass protection.
Linderbaum allowed 26 pressures and two sacks last season and has 15 penalties over the past two years. He struggles to anchor against power rushers, and that’s something that shows up consistently on tape. Still, he’s an upgrade over John Michael Schmitz, who’s been solid but unspectacular since being drafted in 2023.
The issue here is cost. Linderbaum’s fifth-year option was declined, so he’s hitting the market - and he’s likely to command a contract that exceeds what Creed Humphrey makes in Kansas City ($18 million per year). That’s a steep price for a player who’s elite in one phase of the game but below average in another.
If Harbaugh believes Linderbaum is worth the investment, the Giants may have to open the checkbook. But it’s a move that comes with risk - and one that would need to be balanced by improvements elsewhere along the line.
Final Thoughts
With Harbaugh and Monken now in the building, the Giants have a rare opportunity to reshape not just their coaching staff, but their roster identity. Tapping into Baltimore’s deep pool of free agents makes sense - not just for scheme continuity, but for culture. These are players who know how to win, know what’s expected under Harbaugh, and can hit the ground running.
Whether it’s adding a dynamic tight end like Likely, a physical presence like Ricard, or taking a swing on a developmental lineman like Faalele, the Giants have options. And for the first time in a while, they have a clear direction.