Giants' 2026 Offseason: Schoen's Last Stand for Relevancy
It’s January 2026, and the New York Giants are once again staring down a losing record. A 6-11 finish in 2025 felt all too familiar, missing the playoffs for the third straight season since Brian Daboll’s surprising 2022 run. General Manager Joe Schoen is entering a make-or-break offseason. He's got some cap space, sure, projected around $45 million, but he also has a roster riddled with aging veterans and underperforming draft picks. This isn't just about filling holes; it's about Schoen proving he can build a consistent winner.
The Quarterback Conundrum (Again)
Daniel Jones's tenure in New York is officially over. The final year of his four-year, $160 million deal saw him throw for just 2,870 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions before a Week 14 ankle injury ended his season. The Giants are eating a significant chunk of dead cap, but the clean slate is crucial. Tommy DeVito, bless his heart, isn't the answer. He finished 2025 with a 61.2% completion rate and a 3-4 record as a starter. So, who's next? The draft class isn’t loaded with a surefire top-tier guy, meaning Schoen will be active in the veteran market. Kirk Cousins, coming off another solid but unspectacular season in Atlanta, is a name being floated. He threw for 4,100 yards and 28 touchdowns last year, but he’ll be 38. Gardner Minshew, who had a surprisingly efficient season in Las Vegas with 23 TDs and only 7 INTs, is another option. My hot take? Schoen overpays for Cousins, trying to buy himself another year with a "proven" signal-caller, and it blows up in his face by November. He should be aiming younger.
Defensive Rebuild on a Budget
The Giants' defense in 2025 was a sieve against the run, giving up an average of 138 rushing yards per game, 28th in the league. Dexter Lawrence is still a beast, recording 7 sacks and 15 TFLs, but he can’t do it alone. Azeez O’Julari, whose fifth-year option was not picked up, is walking after a disappointing 3-sack season. Kayvon Thibodeaux improved slightly with 9 sacks, but the Giants need another edge rusher badly. Look for them to target a veteran like Danielle Hunter, who just wrapped up a 12-sack season in Houston and might be looking for one last big contract. They also need help at linebacker. Micah McFadden and Bobby Okereke are solid, but neither is a game-wrecker. The secondary, however, looks decent. Deonte Banks had a Pro Bowl year with 5 interceptions, and Jason Pinnock solidified his role at safety. They won't spend big here, probably looking for depth through the draft. Don't expect a splashy defensive signing beyond one veteran pass rusher.
Offensive Line Remains a Priority
It’s Groundhog Day for the Giants' offensive line. Evan Neal continued to struggle at right tackle, allowing 9 sacks and 35 pressures in 14 games. He’s a prime candidate for a position change or even a trade. Andrew Thomas is a cornerstone at left tackle, but the interior was inconsistent. Jon Runyan Jr. was decent at guard, but the center position was a revolving door after John Michael Schmitz went down with a knee injury in Week 9. Schoen needs to find a starting-caliber right tackle, period. Mike Onwenu, if the Patriots let him walk after he had a career-best year allowing only 2 sacks, would be an ideal target. They'll also be in the market for a versatile interior lineman. This isn't a sexy area, but it's where championships are won, and the Giants have neglected it for too long.
This offseason is the biggest of Schoen’s career. He’s got to hit on these moves, or he won't be around for the 2027 free agency tracker. My bold prediction: The Giants sign Kirk Cousins, draft a project QB in the third round, and still finish 7-10, leading to a new GM by next January.