The New York Giants will turn the page on a new chapter in team history this season under head coach John Harbaugh, who signed with the organization this offseason.
Despite only winning four games last year, New York showed promise and was able to compete with nearly every team they played. Coach Harbaugh will look to expand on the momentum they started building.
The best way to retool a franchise is to establish a new identity, and Harbaugh has done just that. The 2026 New York Giants are expected to be physical, aggressive, and execute their game plan with intense discipline.
The team emphasized this identity during the draft when they spent two top-10 picks on linebacker Arvell Reese and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, who were arguably the strongest players at their respective positions
Last year, the Giants found success on offense behind two star rookies, quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo. The two formed a close friendship early on and played with a confidence and swagger that seemed to inspire the rest of the team. In the games the pair stayed healthy, New York averaged over 25 points per game.
Dart is tasked with picking up a new offensive system for his second season, which will be more tailored to the team’s strengths. After struggling early on in camp, Dart showed encouraging signs in the preseason and during the team’s final practices that he will improve on last year.
A critical factor for the Giants’ offense is the return of superstar wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers played just one quarter with Dart before tearing his ACL last year, but is expected to be ready for Week 1 after ramping up throughout the offseason.
Giants icon Odell Beckham Jr. will make his return to the team as well after earning a roster spot this preseason. The veteran wide receiver showed off his quickness on the field and leadership ability in the locker room as he looks to contribute to a young team.
Despite their potential on offense, the strength of this Giants team is in its pass rush. New York’s defensive front features three former first-round picks in stars Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Even after trading superstar defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, New York continued to make the front seven a priority.
Each of these changes reflects a push toward a more modern style of play after many other teams shifted toward a run-first system in order to put pressure on opposing defenses and create opportunities for dynamic quarterbacks.
The Giants will fight to win a division that is filled with questions as well. The Eagles, Cowboys, and Commanders each made notable changes this offseason that could leave the door open for New York late in the year if everything comes together.
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