In an early look at how much different next season will be for the New York Giants, there is a possibility that Big Blue will be back in the postseason soon. With a new coach, new acquisitions, and a new mantra, the ceiling keeps rising for this franchise.
Now, it could be in a few seasons from now, or this 180-degree turnaround could happen in 2026. The upcoming draft could be a key determinant of how close this franchise is to being in the “winner’s tier” of the NFL. Or, the Giants' fate could already be decided.
Let’s try to answer the question of how close this team is to being a sustainable, real contender.
Giants still have work to do before entering contender tier
To be a contender, it's rare for teams to be one-hit wonders. For instance, the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl run this past season is a good example of one of those cases, but they have a very good chance to make another run next season.
The G-Men have not established themselves as a sustainable contender. They may make a miraculous run this season and make the playoffs, but it could be just like the playoff run in 2022: Short-lived with lackluster seasons to follow.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart might just have what it takes to lead this franchise back to the postseason, and the pieces are there to support him in Malik Nabers, Cam Skattebo, and newcomer Isiah Likely. There should not be too many growing pains with the new additions, but it is important to remember that both Nabers and Skattebo both went down with injury relatively early last season. The chemistry will have to be renewed.
Time will really tell whether there is any chance the Giants become contenders in 2026, but there are clear signs that things are trending in that direction. Health is going to be an important factor, as well as whether or not Dart goes through a sophomore slump.
We will all have to wait to see what Big Blue does with the fifth-overall pick at the end of this month, and then it is onto training camp in the midst of summer. To put a number on it, out of 10, the probability of the Giants being a contender next season is probably at a 6 right now. They are close, and it now has to be seen on the field and not just in the offseason.