Big Blue View
There is a definite sense of optimism surrounding the New York Giants, and real excitement for what the team can be in 2026.
The Giants are considered one of the most likely teams in the NFL to make the leap from worst to first and could challenge the Philadelphia Eagles for the division crown. The biggest reason for that is the arrival of head coach John Harbaugh, but the Giants have also had a strong off-season that may have brought upgrades to almost every position on the field.
The first priority for the Giants this off-season has been to build an environment in which Jaxson Dart can mature into a true franchise quarterback. ESPN polled their NFC East writers on the state of the teams they cover, and the very first question was how each team’s off-season impacts their respective quarterback.
Giants writer Jordan Raanan noted the Giants’ many additions to their skill positions as a potential improvement for Dart, but believes the (potential) improvements to the offensive line will have a bigger impact.
The Giants have contingencies for Jaxson Dart with the signings of tight end Isaiah Likely and wide receivers Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III and even Odell Beckham Jr. Of course, it would also be nice if he had star wide receiver Malik Nabers at his disposal. Nabers is still recovering from a serious knee injury and remains uncertain for Week 1, although the Giants remain hopeful.
It would be a bit more than “nice” if the Giants have Nabers for the start of the 2026 season. That said, the Giants have certainly done a good job of giving themselves options when it comes to pass catchers. Isaiah Likely and Darnell Mooney will probably be quality additions to the offense, with the potential to be much more. Calvin Austin III has the potential to be an explosive weapon, while Beckham and Smith-Schuster could become reliable options for Dart.
There’s the potential for high variance with all these players, and they’re all more likely to hit their positive outcomes with Nabers on the field.
If Nabers isn’t ready to start the year, Raanan believes that the additions of Sisi Mauigoa and Patrick Ricard will help smooth things out while Nabers finds his way back to the field and rounds into form.
Still, the biggest offensive upgrades this offseason have been to the offensive line. Shhhh, don’t tell anyone. The Giants’ offensive line isn’t just fixed, it’s the strength of the offense after the additions of right guard Francis Mauigoa with the 10th draft pick and the signing of All-Pro fullback Patrick Ricard. The biggest thing Dart has going for him is that he should have the help of quality protection and a running game.
It’s honestly kinda weird that people still cite the Giants’ offensive line as a problem. I get it: Narratives go around the world while facts are still tying their shoes. But still, the Giants finished 11th in pass protection and 18th in...
