For better or worse, the New York Giants have stuck with center John Michael Schmitz Jr. through the ups and downs of his young NFL career. Their devotion to him may be put to the test in more ways than one in due course, though.
Schmitz hasn't exactly lived up to the high expectations that came with the premium draft capital and status as an older, polished prospect. In fairness, the 2023 second-round pick also hasn't been the bust many have labeled him as. He's set to enter the fourth and final season of his rookie contract, and a lot is riding on what happens in 2026.
Things could get interesting if Schmitz holds serve and further cements himself as an established starter or even makes meaningful strides. He'll comfortably be the best free-agent option available at his position next offseason, possibly putting the Giants in a serious bind.
John Michael Schmitz could put the Giants between a rock and a hard place
It wouldn't be shocking to see Schmitz corner the center market when he becomes available. Suitors will have their choice between him and grizzled veterans such as the Cincinnati Bengals' Ted Karras or the Tennessee Titans' Andre James, among others.
See the problem? Schmitz is firmly in his prime at 27 and arguably still improving. The former Minnesota standout's progression hasn't been linear, but he's gotten by with a really high football IQ and decent run protection. Other teams might see untapped potential and try to price him out of New York's range, especially with another respectable showing in the upcoming campaign.
Is Big Blue comfortable meeting a conceivably lofty price tag for Schmitz out of fear of losing him? How much does the front office value the continuity that finally has their O-line on the upswing after a decade-plus of instability? If he proves to be too rich for their blood, how does the front office pivot?
Karras is a consistent, durable pass-blocker who hasn't missed a game since 2019. However, he'll be turning 34 around the time his next deal comes up and is more of a stopgap than a long-term solution at this point. Much of the same can be said for the 29-year-old James, who appears to be settling into a reserve role after serving as a full-time starter for the Las Vegas Raiders from 2021 through 2024.
Effectively competing against himself, Schmitz has a prime opportunity to earn a significant long-term payday — whether from the Giants or a different club. He can play himself into being a hot commodity, which would leave general manager Joe Schoen and Co. in a sticky situation.
Nevertheless, if Schmitz finds himself "securing the bag," as the kids say, then something must've gone right along the way. A hefty extension would at least suggest he did enough for New York, regardless of who gives it to him.
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