The New York Giants' offensive line identity has already undergone significant changes this offseason. New head coach John Harbaugh has already fired OL coach Carmen Bricillo and hired Mike Bloomgren as his replacement. The 63-year-old has moved quickly, but if he doesn't play his remaining cards right, it could all blow up in his face.
And that would be an abject disaster for the fanbase that just watched its first full season of capable line play in what's felt like an eternity. They took a big step forward in 2025, finishing ninth in Pro Football Focus' rankings. However, Bricillo might not be the only one on the way out.
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and right guard Greg Van Roten are both upcoming free agents. Left guard Jon Runyan Jr is a potential cap casualty. And John Michael Schmitz is coming off his third straight underwhelming season at center, after being drafted in the second round in 2023.
If the offseason already feels overwhelming, you're not alone. This thing could go sideways before it ever truly gets off the ground, which is why Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox believes failing to reload the offensive line is Big Blue's worst-case scenario, and I couldn't agree more. And fans know the G-Men need to do everything they can to avoid it.
John Harbaugh cannot let Giants offensive line fall apart this offseason
From here on out, Harbaugh's mission is to keep franchise quarterback hopeful Jaxson Dart upright. The 22-year-old took some big hits last year, and keeping him healthy and on the field gives the team the best chance to finally turn things around. Plus, opening up lanes for Cam Skattebo and the ground game will be just as important.
Fortunately, there will be options for Harby and Co. to navigate the potential offensive line losses. Free agency is right around the corner, and the draft presents a second chance to bolster the unit if the market doesn't cooperate.
Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum is surprisingly heading to free agency after failing to get an extension done with Baltimore. The 25-year-old is already a three-time Pro Bowler, making him the crown jewel of free agency. The Harbaugh ties could end up making a big difference in his recruitment. The same goes with Cleveland Browns offensive guard Wyatt Teller and Bloomgren, who was his former OL coach.
Shelling out tens of millions of dollars is one way to improve the line. The other is to draft the improvements. Miami's Francis Mauigoa and Utah's Spencer Fano figure to be in play with the fifth pick. But other guys like Clemson's Blake Miller, Oregon's Emmanuel Pregnon, Florida's Jake Slaughter, and Georgia's Monroe Freeling could be available on Day 2.
Regardless of how Rome gets built -- either through the draft, free agency, or both -- Dart needs to see the Coliseum before Week 1 kicks off. Things were just looking up for this group. To have that taken away so soon will infuriate the fans.