Is what Gunner Olszewski brings to the table enough for him to earn a chance to make the New York Giants roter in 2026?
That is up to head coach John Harbaugh, maybe with an assist from general manager Joe Schoen.
Reasons to keep Olszewski
Players who have the ability to be plus returners on both kickoffs and punts have value. Olszewski, a 29-year-old six-year veteran has shown that ability. He isn’t dynamic, but he can handle both jobs and occasionally fill in at wide receiver.
Among 59 players who handled at least 15 kickoff
returns in 2025, Olszewski’s 26.2 yards per return average was 25th, just above league average. His punt return average of 9.2 yards placed him 18th among 28 qualifiers with at least 15 returns. All in all, he was roughly league average combining both skills.
Olszewski cost just $1.17 million in 2025 with no money guaranteed at signing, so he certainly isn’t expensive.
Reasons to let Olszewski go
Harbaugh’s special teams with the Baltimore Ravens were not average. Under the direction of Chris Horton, now the Giants’ special teams coordinator, Baltimore’s special teams were usually among the league’s best. A ceiling as an average returner might not be good enough for the Giants’ new regime.
Verdict
I have no issue with giving Olszewski a similar minimum contract with no guaranteed money and letting him compete for a job.
