The New York Giants had a strong start to first day of the legal tampering window opening for free agency. They managed to bring in some solid additions in free agency, including Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely and punter Jordan Stout, and Chicago Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. But there was one internal move they made that might be their most impactful. The Giants and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor agreed to terms on a three-year, $39 million contract.
Keeping Eluemunor was huge for the Giants, as he had been the right tackle they've been seeking for years. It was a pivotal move, especially as they want quarterback Jaxson Dart to take that next step in the 2026 season.
During an appearance on Up and Adams with host Kay Adams, Eluemunor revealed that Dart had been in contact with him even before free agency to ensure he stayed put. Eluemunor went on to say that Dart is the best quarterback he's played with.
"Jaxson actually was calling and texting me the entire time... I truly think he's gonna be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL this upcoming season."
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 10, 2026
Giants OT Jermaine Eluemunor on Jaxson Dart's role in his re-signing@JEluemunor | @JaxsonDart | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/IXDT1zMyrm
Jermaine Eluemunor says Jaxson Dart played pivotal role in re-signing with Giants
"Jaxson actually was calling and texting me the entire time, even before free agency. He kept telling me how much he wanted me back," said Eluemunor. "I told Dart before free agency I wanted to be with him and I waited a long time to play with a guy like that. I told Joe [Schoen] the same thing and [John Harbaugh]. I think he's a really special player."
This is what Giants fans will love to hear. Dart knows just how important Eluemunor was to the Giants and their potential success. To stress how important it was to retain him even before free agency began did help convince Eluemunor to stay for the next three seasons.
Dart thrived in his rookie season, despite the lack of playmakers around him. But Eluemunor blocking for him certainly helped him make plays with his arm and legs. Dart threw for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions while picking up 487 yards and nine touchdowns on 86 carries.
This past season, Eluemunor allowed 19 pressures, four sacks, and three quarterback hits in 1,088 offensive snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
The Giants had three pivotal players hitting free agency, with Eluemunor being one of them. They were expected to lose wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson to the Tennessee Titans, which ultimately happened. But they were stunned after cornerback Cor'Dale Flott spurned them for the Titans. That left the Giants in a pickle, meaning they couldn't afford to lose Eluemunor.
Eluemuor wasnted to remain with the Giants, and Dart's endorsement and insistence to keep him didn't hurt. Now, the Giants offensive tackle positions are lock solid for the next couple of years.