The New York Giants didn’t exactly light the league on fire in 2025, but coming out of it with a franchise quarterback, a Hall of Fame head coach, and an actual plan in place counts for something.
More importantly, it put them in position to take advantage of a division that suddenly looks a lot less scary than it did a year ago.
Nowhere is that more obvious than in Philadelphia, where the Eagles’ attempt to run it back after a Super Bowl appearance quickly fell apart. Coaching struggles, offensive inconsistencies (especially at quarterback), and growing roster tension have turned what was supposed to be a calling card into a major question mark.
Firing their offensive coordinator won’t fix the bigger issues. Jalen Hurts is still very much a “we’re not really sure what he is,” Saquon Barkley failed to come close to last year’s success, and the seemingly always disgruntled A.J. Brown is back in the drama in full force.
While scapegoating Kevin Patullo as the source of all of their problems was cute, it's becoming clearer than ever that the cracks in the foundation run a lot deeper than one coordinator. And with trade chatter swirling around Brown and no obvious path back to their former selves, they suddenly looks vulnerable in a division that’s begging for someone else to take the reins.
Eagles dysfunction opens unexpected door for Giants in NFC East
The Athletic's Zach Berman all but confirmed Brown is on his way out of the City of Brotherly Love in his most recent mailbag. He cited a crumbling offense and questionable quarterback play as two of the main reasons the three-time Pro Bowler would pursue options elsewhere.
This is obviously a terrible situation for the Eagles. The 28-year-old is their second-most important offensive piece behind Barkley. And it's as evident as ever that since Hurts signed his five-year, $255 million extension back in 2023, he just hasn't been the same -- and it's not even like he was blowing anyone out of the water beforehand, either.
Brown has been a kingmaker. In the two seasons before Hurts' extension, the receiver put up 194 receptions for 2,952 yards and 18 touchdowns (Hurts' best two seasons, no less). In the two years since the mega deal, it's been 145 catches for 2,082 yards and 14 scores. Drop, meet off.
The thought of Brown forcing his way out of Philly and leaving his quarterback to figure out life on his own would only set Philly back even further. It's like they're falling apart in real time. With Hurts making $50-plus million over the next three years, not only are they relatively hamstrung in the salary cap department, but they're also practically forced to hold onto him, especially with his no-trade clause.
There's a reason why several OC candidates wouldn't touch Philadelphia's vacancy with a 10-foot pole -- no less than 13, I'm sure of it. If that's not the single-biggest indictment of their collapse yet, I don't know what is.
Also, the 2025 dumpster fire that was the New York Football Giants beat the snot outta the Iggles in rookie QB Jaxson Dart's third start, so they're already closer than you think.
Now, you might find this ripe coming from a Giants fan who's endured more losing over the past decade than I'd like to admit, but it's not hard to see where this team is headed in 2026. It's not Mike Vrabel, Drake Maye, and the Patriots, but it's close.
The blueprint is there. Start with a rookie QB (Jaxson Dart - check). Fire the head coach of their rookie season (Brian Daboll - gonezo). Find the right HC who wants to work with the QB (John Harbaugh - check). Make smart roster decisions in free agency, draft well, and win games (to be determined). If other teams can do it, so can the G-Men.
With Brown potentially forcing his way out of Philadelphia, the Eagles lose the engine holding their passing attack (if you want to call it that) together. Don't be shocked if and when the Giants emerge as the rightful heir to the NFC East throne.