The New York Giants didn’t make many splashy moves in the opening waves of the 2026 NFL Free Agency period.
Before free agency opened, we received reports that the Giants under John Harbaugh were more interested in “tinkering” with the roster than overhauling it completely. Their moves in free agency bore that out, and they made a series of signings designed to make sure they had as few pressing needs as possible going into the draft as possible.
That said, the Giants made several bigger signings that
could have a profound impact on their 2026 season, as well as their quest to win the NFC East. The Giants are still considered the fourth-most likely team to win the division per FanDuel, but that gap may be closer than many assume.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, tight end Isaiah Likely is Giants’ fans favorite signing.
Likely was both the Giants’ splashiest signing, and could be their most impactful. Likely is an athletic receiving tight end who can wear a variety of hats in Matt Nagy’s offense, as well as play off of Jaxson Dart’s willingness to improvise.
Interestingly, the duo of punter Jordan Stout and kicker Jason Sanders came in (a distant) second to Likely. The Giants’ kicking situation cost them points and potentially games last year, but both Stout and Sanders bring Pro Bowl upside to the Giants’ special teams.
It’s also interesting that fans are least excited about CB Greg Newsome II. Newsome is a former first round pick whose career got off to a strong start with the Cleveland Browns, but has come to the Giants to get his career back on track. Perhaps fans simply have confidence that cornerback will be solidified whether Newsome or Tae Banks win the job.
