John Harbaugh to the Giants: A New Era Begins - and Big Changes Could Be Coming
While much of the East Coast slept, the New York Giants were busy making one of the most significant decisions in recent franchise history. The team is finalizing a deal to bring in John Harbaugh as their next head coach - a move that signals a dramatic shift in direction for a team that’s been searching for stability since Tom Coughlin’s departure.
Harbaugh, a Super Bowl-winning head coach with a reputation for building tough, disciplined teams, met with Giants brass at their facility on Wednesday. Despite early reports suggesting he was heading back to Baltimore, the Giants’ front office clearly wasn’t ready to let him walk out the door without a contract in place. And now, with Harbaugh poised to take over, the ripple effects across the roster could be swift and significant.
There’s no question that a new regime means a new culture - and with that comes a reevaluation of personnel. Harbaugh is known for demanding accountability, consistency, and execution.
That could spell trouble for several current Giants players whose performances haven’t met expectations. Here are three names who could be on the chopping block as the Harbaugh era begins in New York.
3. Darius Slayton - WR
Darius Slayton has been a familiar face in the Giants’ locker room for years, but his future with the team is suddenly in doubt. Despite signing a three-year, $36 million deal last offseason, Slayton’s 2025 season was filled with frustrating inconsistencies - most notably, a string of costly drops in key moments.
At 29, Slayton remains one of the longest-tenured players on the roster, having been drafted back in 2019. But tenure won’t carry much weight under Harbaugh, especially if production doesn’t follow.
Slayton’s issues with drops aren’t new - they’ve been a recurring theme throughout his career. And for a coach like Harbaugh, who prioritizes reliability and execution, that kind of inconsistency simply won’t cut it.
Slayton’s contract may complicate things slightly, but if the new staff decides that his presence is holding back the offense, don’t be surprised if the Giants decide to move on.
2. Deonte Banks - CB
Deonte Banks’ situation is a classic case of a promising start that’s since gone sideways. Drafted in the first round in 2023, Banks looked like a potential cornerstone after a solid rookie campaign - 64 tackles, 11 passes defended, and a pair of interceptions in 15 games.
But that early promise has faded fast. In 2024, Banks took a noticeable step back, struggling in coverage and finishing ranked 182nd among 222 qualifying cornerbacks, per Pro Football Focus. His 2025 season saw him fall completely out of the starting lineup, and when he did see the field, the spark just wasn’t there.
For a team trying to rebuild its identity on defense, Banks’ regression is a concern. Harbaugh has always emphasized smart, physical play in the secondary - and right now, Banks isn’t checking either of those boxes. It’s tough to give up on a former first-round pick after just three seasons, but sometimes a fresh start is best for both sides.
1. Jalin Hyatt - WR
Jalin Hyatt’s time in New York has been underwhelming, to put it mildly. Drafted in the third round of the 2023 draft, Hyatt was expected to bring speed and explosiveness to the offense. Instead, he’s struggled to carve out any sort of meaningful role.
His rookie season offered a few glimpses of potential - 23 catches for 373 yards across 17 games - but the last two years have been a steep decline. Hyatt has managed just 11 receptions combined over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, and he’s still searching for his first career touchdown.
Whether it’s drops, miscommunications, or simply not getting open, Hyatt hasn’t been able to make the leap. And with a new coaching staff coming in, the leash gets even shorter. Harbaugh isn’t going to wait around for players to figure it out - especially not in a crowded receiver room that needs reliable contributors.
Hyatt’s raw talent may earn him another look elsewhere, but in New York, his time could be running out.
The Bottom Line
John Harbaugh’s arrival represents more than just a coaching change - it’s a cultural reset. The Giants have spent the better part of the last decade trying to recapture the identity that once made them one of the NFL’s most respected franchises. Now, they’ve brought in a coach with the pedigree and presence to make that happen.
But change doesn’t come without tough decisions. For players who’ve underperformed or failed to develop, the message is clear: the standards are about to rise. And if you can’t meet them, your spot on the roster may no longer be safe.