The following post is a plan for the NY Giants in the 2026 offseason with regard to team retention and the draft. The addition of free agents has not been considered.
NYG Free Agents
The following NY Giants Free Agents would be signed by the Giants
| Player | Pos | Age | YOE | Prev Team | Prev AAV | Type | Market ValueAAV |
| Jermaine Eluemunor | RT | 31.2 | 9 | NYG | $7,000,000.00 | UFA | $8,666,544 |
| Greg Van Roten | G | 36 | 11 | NYG | $3,250,000.00 | UFA | $5,090,582 |
| Wan’dale Robinson | WR | 25.1 | 4 | NYG | $2,046,292.00 | UFA | $17,642,015 |
| Casey Kreiter | LS | 35.5 | 10 | NYG | $1,422,500.00 | UFA | |
| Chris Manhertz | TE | 33.8 | 10 | NYG | $1,422,500.00 | UFA | $1,145,116 |
| Austin Schlottmann | C | 30.4 | 7 | NYG | $1,397,500.00 | UFA | $2,263,535 |
| Aaron Stinnie | G | 32 | 8 | NYG | $1,337,500.00 | UFA | $1,562,699 |
| Victor Dimukeje | ED | 26.2 | 5 | NYG | $1,337,500.00 | UFA | $1,106,472 |
| Cordale Flott | CB | 24.5 | 4 | NYG | $1,310,460.00 | UFA | $9,507,978 |
| Neville Hewitt | LB | 32.8 | 11 | NYG | $1,255,000.00 | UFA | $970,249 |
| Gunner Olszewski | WR | 29.2 | 7 | NYG | $1,170,000.00 | UFA | $1,580,229 |
| Daniel Bellinger | TE | 25.4 | 4 | NYG | $1,113,276.00 | UFA | $2,541,958 |
| Dane Belton | S | 25.2 | 4 | NYG | $1,111,122.00 | UFA | $6,193,490 |
| Zaire Barnes | ED | 26.4 | 3 | NYG | $1,030,000.00 | RFA | |
| Micah McFadden | LB | 26.1 | 4 | NYG | $1,003,927.00 | UFA | $2,421,663 |
| Ryan Miller | WR | 26 | 2 | NYG | $877,500.00 | ERFA | |
| Art Green | CB | 25.8 | 2 | NYG | $877,500.00 | ERFA |
Jermaine Eluemunor played 95% of the 2025 offensive snaps and had the third most offensive snaps on the team. The Giants offensive line ranked number nine in PFF’s final 2025 offensive line rankings. They placed fourth in pass-blocking efficiency. “This was largely due to the emergence and high-level play of veteran right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, who gave up pressure on just 3.3% of pass plays — the best rate among all right tackles this season.” This should be good for a 2 years, $17.3M contract. The limited duraction is die to his age at 31.
Wandale Robinson played the most snaps of any wide receiver on the team with 85% and the fourth most offensive snaps on the team. He was one of only 20 players with 1000+ yards receiving. Of those 20, Robinson was sixth in receptions/broken tackles. With Malik Nabers returning from injury in 2026 as WR1, it follows that Robinson or Slayton would be WR2. I did a spreadsheet available here – League Wide Receivers Two – that compared wide receiver two players (based on 2025 receiving yards) across a variety of receiver metrics. I had to insert Robinson as his 2025 yards was really a WR1 scenario. Wandale comes in as in the top ten for WRs. This should justify a 4 year 60-70 Million dollar contract.
Cordale Flott had the best year of his career in 2025. In a ranking of defensive backs based on metrics of interceptions, passes defended, completion percentage, yards allowed per target and passer rating when targeted Flott performed very well in 2025. He came in 17th out of 93 players. The full rankings of defensive backs going back to 2022 can be seen here – Four years of defensive back rankings. Here is a table that shows Flott’s progression in ranking and defensive snap percentage for his career.
| year | def% | Rank | out of | percent |
| 2022 | 29.6 | 72 | 95 | 76% |
| 2023 | 45.9 | 61 | 92 | 66% |
| 2024 | 60.9 | 64 | 96 | 67% |
| 2025 | 71.5 | 17 | 93 | 18% |
Mid season this was PFF’s commentary on Flott – The Giants reloaded their secondary going into 2025, but Flott has been the biggest standout in that room. His 79.6 PFF coverage grade is fourth among corners to play 200 or more snaps, and his 62.6 passer rating when targeted slots eighth,” Bradley Locker of PFF wrote. He is only turning 25 in August and has earned a four year 35-40 million dollar contract.
Greg Van Roten played every offensive snap last year and stands alone as having played the most snaps on the team. This is true for the second year in a row. With the Giants in 2025, the 35-year-old earned a 70.1 PFF pass-blocking grade and posted a pass-blocking efficiency score of 97.7. In his career he has started games at every offensive line position. He has earned to be re-signed . Due to his age perhaps only a one year $5 million dollar contract.
Dane Belton is a close call on bringing him back. In the prior mentioned db spreadsheet he comes in for 2025 at rank 81 of 93. He fared better in 2024 at rank 67 of 96. In 2025 Dane developed into a sure tackler. His 1.6% missed tackle percent was sixth best in the league for players that player 50% defensive snaps and had 100+ tackles. He has excelled in 2025 on special teams with 20 total tackles which is tied for sixth best in the league. He led the Giants in solo and total tackles on special teams. Belton finished second on the Giants in total and solo tackles. Though his overall stats may not be exciting he comes up with big plays. In a goal line stand against Denver he leveled Bronco Courtland Sutton on a critical fourth-and-goal at the line of scrimmage. In week 15 against the Commanders Belton had two forced fumbles, a sack, 8 tackles and a TFL. Belton should be brought back on something like a two-year cotract for $9 million.
The following free agents should not be re-signed:
Russell Wilson
Evan Neal
Rakeem Nunez-Roches
Joshua Ezeudu
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
Isaiah Hodgins
Caleb Murphy
D.J. Davidson
Nic Jones
Bryce Ford-Wheaton
Giant Need
The Giants 2025 season ranked fourth worst in the Super Bowl era in opponent yards per rush attempt. Among the 2025 league teams the Giants were third worst in first down % on opponent rush plays. They were tied in fourth worst in opponent rushing touchdowns allowed. The Giants had the second most rushing yards per game allowed. The Giants had in 2025 the worst expected points contributed by rushing defense with a -80.
They allowed the most rushing plays of 10+ yards and it was ten more than the next closest team. It was a total of 75 plays and 93% made first down. The two teams that had the least allowed rush plays of 10+ yards were both in the Conference Championship games and the one was the Super Bowl winning Seattle Seahwks who were the best at just 28 plays allowed. The Giants 75 plays of 10+ yards rushing was 16% of all rushing plays against them which was also highest in the league. The Giants led the league in rushing plays of 10+ yards by an opponent that resulted in a touchdown with 13. This was more than their oppoent 10+ yards by a pass that resulted in a touchdown which was 10 plays. There were one of only three teams for which those rush plays with a touchdown were more than the pass plays. The general consensus is that big plays are pass plays of 16+ yards or rush plays of 10+ yards. The Giants defense in 2025 gave up 80 big plays in passing and 75 in rushing. Almost the same amount. Only the Bills had a worse differential between these two big play types. Offensively if we look at plays of 16+ yards the Giants were 17th in pass plays and 5th in rush plays of 10+ yards.
A 2022 data study by PFF found that having one explosive play tripled the expected points value of a drive. Unlike when a team needs three downs at a time to methodically move downfield, a chunk play reduces the number of times an offense has to avoid a mistake. It wopuld follow that limiting an opponent’s big plays increase the outcome of success. The one factor that stood out in the Giant’s 2025 season was their dismal performance in limiting big rush plays.
A look at the NFL draft
The 2026 NFL draft appears to have a good selection of run stopping prospects. Here they are grouped by position. There is nothing implied by the order.
| CB A.J. Harris (Penn State) | Recognized for displaying high-quality solo reps against the run and being a “scheme-versatile” defender. |
| CB Avieon Terrell (Clemson) | Widely considered one of the best run defenders in the class placing fourth among all cornerbacks with a 90.7 PFF run-defense grade in 2024. He is noted for his physical mentality and ability to force fumbles despite a smaller frame. |
| CB D’Angelo Ponds (Indiana) | Despite his small stature (5’9″ 170 lbs) he plays with “zero fear” in run defense and maintains a low missed-tackle percentage. |
| CB Keionte Scott (Miami) | A high-intensity physical nickel defender who is comfortable playing close to the line of scrimmage. |
| CB Keith Abney II (Arizona State) | Noted as a willing run defender who has earned high marks for his tackling ability and overall competitive mentality. |
| CB Mansoor Delane (LSU) | A “willing hitter” in run support who has consistently posted run-defense grades above 70.0. He is described as a physical reliable tackler who closes space quickly to involve himself in run defense. |
| CB Xavier Scott (Illinois) | A versatile defender often used in the nickel role who brings a “passion to both run defense and pass rushing”. |
| CB TJ Hall (Iowa) | In 2025, he recorded 47 tackles and finished the season with zero missed tackles, reflecting the elite technical discipline and physical play typical of the Iowa Hawkeyes secondary. |
| DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn: | Widely considered one of the most complete run defenders in the class. At 6’6″ and 276 lbs, he uses his massive frame and long arms to stack and shed blockers effectively. |
| DE LT Overton, Alabama | A versatile hybrid who uses natural leverage and a powerful base to defend the run with high efficiency. |
| DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami | Described as a “thick, square” rusher who “ragdolls tight ends”. Despite shorter arms, his leverage and powerful hands allow him to command the edge and chase down ball carriers consistently. |
| DE T.J. Parker, Clemson | A potent run stopper who “routinely resets the line of scrimmage”. He is noted for his functional strength and ability to generate knock back power at the point of attack. |
| DE Tyreak Sapp, Florida | Regarded as one of the best pure run defenders in the group, holding a elite 88.7 PFF run defense grade from the 2024 season. At 275 lbs, he is a high floor player specifically for early down run support. |
| DE Zion Young, Missouri | Recognized for an NFL ready frame and the ability to reset the line of scrimmage. Analysts suggest his future may involve sliding inside to a 3 4 defensive end role due to his run stuffing traits. |
| DL Tim Keenan III, Alabama Crimson Tide | A “potbelly stove” nose tackle (6’1″, ~330 lbs) who is nearly impossible to move. He returned to Alabama for 2025 and is considered a specialist who excels at keeping linebackers clean |
| DL Christen Miller (Georgia) | Rated as one of the most pro ready run defenders. He possesses a 6 4, 310 pound frame and is noted for his heavy hands and consistent leverage. |
| DL Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati) | Known as “The Godfather,” he is a elite run defender with massive size (340 lbs). He is capable of controlling centers at will and anchoring against the run. |
| DL Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) | Widely considered the best pure run stopper in the class. A “throwback” nose tackle who recorded 17 run stops and 9.5 tackles for loss in 2025. He is praised for his rare power and ability to dominate the line of scrimmage. |
| DL Lee Hunter (Texas Tech) | A massive, wide bodied defender (6 4, 318 lbs) specifically identified as a two down “space eating” run defender. Scouting reports highlight his ability to leverage single blocks and reset the line of scrimmage. |
| DL Peter Woods (Clemson) | A versatile 310 pound defender who can play multiple positions across the line. He is described as a violent run defender who uses explosiveness and hand placement to stack and shed blockers quickly. |
| DL. Caleb Banks, Florida | A massive (6’6″, 300+ lbs) defender who fits the mold of a big-bodied run-stopper. |
| LB Arvell Reese (Ohio State) | Widely considered the best run-stopper in the class, Reese is described as a “heat-seeking missile” against the run. His explosive first step and block deconstruction skills allow him to wreak havoc at the first level. |
| LB Austin Romaine (Kansas State) | A prototypical “Mike” linebacker who thrives on dominance in the run game. He recorded a 90.7 run-defense grade (3rd nationally) and 43 run-defense stops in 2024. |
| LB CJ Allen (Georgia) | A quintessential “old-school” linebacker, Allen is a box-area bully built on physicality and toughness. He earned an elite 89.8 PFF run-defense grade in 2024 and is noted for his sure tackling and ability to thud off offensive guards. |
| LB Drayk Bowen (Notre Dame) | Throwback MIKE; best work done between the tackles. |
| LB Deontae Lawson (Alabama) | High-level play diagnosis; recorded 56 run-defense stops since 2023. |
| LB Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) | The 2025 Butkus Award winner, Rodriguez is an instinctual run defender who is highly effective at diagnosing plays. He posted a near-perfect 98 run-defense rating from some scouts, though his tackling consistency is slightly lower than peers like Red Murdock. |
| LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati | a strong athlete with good length and ability to shed blocks. |
| LB Josiah Trotter (Missouri) | Praised for a “violent attitude” and quick reactions in run defense. |
| LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr (TCU) | High tackling efficiency (89 rating) and strong 93 run-defense grade. |
| LB Red Murdock (Buffalo) | An elite sleeper prospect who earned a 91.3 PFF run-defense grade in 2025. He is noted for a violent, physical playstyle and high-impact hits, having forced six fumbles in a single season. |
| LB Sonny Styles (Ohio State) | While primarily known for his range and coverage as a former safety, Styles has significantly improved his run-stopping ability, utilizing his 6’5″ frame and long wingspan to wrap up ball carriers effectively. |
| LB Taurean York (Texas A&M) | Led Power Four LBs with 59 run-defense stops since 2023. |
| S A.J. Haulcy, LSU | A violent tackler who comes downhill with “bad intentions” to stop the run. |
| S Caleb Downs, Ohio State | Recorded 35 run defense stops and an 88.5 PFF run defense grade since 2023. |
| S Emmanuel McNeil Warren, Toledo | Known for explosive energy and a high effort playstyle that translates well to run support. McNeil-Warren is the only safety in the country with PFF 90.0-plus grades in run defense and in coverage. |
| S Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina | An “enforcer” who plays much heavier than his size, showing a knack for block destruction. |
A Giants Mock Draft
Here is a Giants mock draft run on nflmockdraftdatabase.com on March 5th with added commentary and quotes on the picks. There were some trade downs later in the draft.
New York Giants
5 Caleb Downs
S | Ohio State
A
“I have spent 11 years coaching in the NFL and Caleb Downs is the best football player – pro or college – that I have ever coached,” said Ohio State co-defensive coordinator/secondary coach Tim Walton. “He is first-class and exceptional in all areas he touches.” Elite versatility with 87.6 run defense and 89.6 coverage grades in 2025.
37 Kayden McDonald
DL | Ohio State
B+
PFF’s Number 3 overall defensive grade in 2025. Number 1 run defense grade. 34 run stops tied fourth-most of any DL in 2025. For DT designated players McDonald was third in total tackles in 2025 and seventh in tackles for loss.
PFF 2025 All America Team
McDonald doesn’t add much as a pass rusher, but he’s still a projected first-round pick because of how dominant he is as a run defender. His 92.3 PFF run-defense grade is four points higher than any other interior defender in college football, while his 30 defensive stops are second in the Power Four. McDonald’s 89.3 overall grade is also the best in the nation for his position.
105 Taurean York
LB | Texas A&M
B
He was named to PFF’s All-Freshman team after a 2023 season in which he earned an 81.5 PFF run-defense grade while playing more than 500 snaps. In his 2024 campaign, York’s PFF overall grade dipped slightly, but he brought his missed tackle percentage down from an already impressive 10.3% in 2023 to just 8.2%, one of the best marks in the country, especially for a player with more than 600 defensive snaps logged. – PFF
A defensive captain since his freshman season, York operates as the quarterback of the defense. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and attack the ball carrier makes him a natural MIKE linebacker candidate. Coaches will appreciate both his motor and his football IQ. – Yahoo Sports
York is also a surprisingly capable run defender given his frame. He understands how to make use of his height to create natural leverage and maximize his play strength. That allows him to use his athleticism to make first contact with offensive linemen, while his leverage and density allow him to effectively stack and shed them. He frequently jolts linemen back and is able to slip past them before they recover. His speed also allows him to run down ball carriers in the backfield and disrupt plays before they have a chance to mature. – BigBlueView.com
144 Tyreak Sapp
EDGE | Florida
C
PFF’s 2024 Season evaluation:
🐊 90.4 PFF Grade
🐊 7.0 Sacks
🐊 82.2 Pass Rush Grade
🐊 13 TFL’s/No Gain
🐊 88.7 Run Defense Grade
Bleacher Report: Tyreak Sapp is one of those “strong as a bull” type of edge prospects, combining size—he’s listed at 6’2″, 272 pounds—and heavy hands to be a good run defender at the next level. He’s limited as a pass-rusher, though.
Sapp played 1,426 defensive snaps through four seasons in Gainesville. He recorded 72 pressures and 72 STOPs in college, and had one of the highest Defensive Pro Football Focus grades in 2024; Sapp had 26 pressures and 29 STOPs in 2024. He has missed 15 tackles in college (11.5%missed tackle rate). – si.com
186 Ar’maj Reed-Adams
IOL | Texas A&M
A
Cameron Ohnysty, the lead writer for Aggieswire, said “Reed-Adams was a bulldozer on the ground, logging over 450 snaps at guard, and was elite in pin and pull blocking, taking advantage of his 6’5” frame and elite strength,”. “This continued with the Aggies after switching to right guard, earning an elite PFF run blocking grade, including 85.9 in 2024. Overall, Reed-Adams is relentless and plays through every block.” “If Pro Football Focus tells you anything, Reed-Adams was steady in pass protection, earning a 65.2 pass blocking grade, while allowing just one sack and 13 pressures,” He made Mel Kiper’s top ten Guard prospects at number ten.
200 Eric McAlister (trade down)
WR | TCU
A+
TCU has a strong reputation for producing high-caliber wide receivers, particularly over the last decade. Eric McAlister is one of only 10 FBS players since 1995 to have a college career of Yds/Reception >= 18, Receiving TD >= 20 and Receiving Yds >= 3000. The last one was CeeDee Lamb in 2019.
205 Dallen Bentley
TE | Utah
A
PFF 2026 NFL Draft: Finding offensive sleepers using PFF+
The results are initially sorted by PFF receiving grade, making the top three players Houston‘s Tanner Koziol (87.3), Vanderbilt‘s Eli Stowers (85.3) and Utah‘s Dallen Bentley (83.1). If the results are sorted by “Drop Grade” in the next column over, Bentley claims the No. 1 spot (91.9).
Bentley was targeted 76 times in 2025, and he caught 48 passes for 620 yards and six touchdowns without a drop all season. Even more impressive is that Bentley’s average depth of target was 10.8 yards, the second-highest mark in the draft class among tight ends with at least 30 receptions. So, he wasn’t just being targeted on easy six-yard curls or screens.
221 TJ Hall
CB | Iowa
B+
In 2025 TJ Hall earned an 86.5 PFF run defense grade, ranking among the best for Big Ten cornerbacks. Though his combine speed was on the slow side analysts say that he plays fast. Analyst Lance Zierlein said – Sudden, low-cut cornerback with fast feet, good balance and a highly competitive spirit. Hall loves staying as tight to the route as possible and supports the run with ideal aggression. Hall’s athletic ability and toughness against the run could be a perfect fit for a role as a future starter at nickelback.
222 Red Murdock
LB | Buffalo
B+
The all-time FBS leader in forced fumbles. He led the conference in forced fumbles each of the last three seasons and led the FBS in 2024. He is one of only four players that in 2025 had 2+ games of 16+ tackles in each. He is the only player that over the last two seasons had 2 games of 16+ tackles in each season. In 2025 Murdock was second in total tackles per game.
PFF 2026 NFL Draft: Finding defensive sleepers using PFF+
The first name on the list is Texas Tech‘s Jacob Rodriguez, who is a household name at this point after his dominant 2025 season. The next player is Buffalo‘s Red Murdock with an elite 91.2 PFF overall grade in 2025. Looking at Murdock’s PFF grades across the board shows a linebacker who performed well in every area.
Murdock earned a 91.3 PFF run-defense grade and forced six fumbles on the year. His 82.2 PFF tackling grade is noticeably better than Rodriguez’s 65.5 mark. Murdock earned an 86.5 PFF coverage grade, and his pass-rush resume includes a 72.3 PFF pass-rush grade to go along with six sacks, two quarterback hits and 12 hurries. On film, Murdock isn’t on the fast end of linebackers, but he can help a team with his violent, physical play style.
234 Josh Cuevas
TE | Alabama
B+
As a “combo tight end,” Cuevas excels as a blocker while remaining a reliable target in the short passing game. His toughness and route awareness allow him to win against linebackers and safeties over the first two levels of the field. – scout report clutchpoints.com
There is a draft focused on improving the run defense but still maintaining an overall team improvement and selecting choice players.
Featured image: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Leave a Reply