With a new head coach, a second-year Quarterback destined to write his name in the New York Giants history books, and several new offseason acquisitions, things could be turning around for this franchise in 2026. At least NFL.com Senior National Columnist Judy Battista thinks so in her latest piece.
Thing is, she is 100% right, as the right pieces have been brought in to catapult this franchise out of its long rebuild. Successful football should be returning to East Rutherford next season.
Harbaugh changes the culture
There is no secret that bringing in a coach like Harbaugh changes the culture of this franchise. Ex-head coach Brian Daboll had a ton of success in Buffalo before coming to New York, but his legacy does not pale in comparison. This is two completely different coaches, gameplans and pedigrees.
That is why the 2026 Giants will be a completely different team, and it won't be because of the players. The outlook is now positive, and it feels unfamiliarly safe to assume that competitive football will be played on Sundays.
New Giants improve the roster
Isiah Likely is a huge addition for Jaxson Dart and the passing game. Theo Johnson had a solid year in 2025, but Likely brings a different dynamic to the playbook. Plus, as he was under Harbaugh in Baltimore over the last four seasons, the connection is already established between player and coach.
Then there is Tremaine Edmunds on the defensive side, who has replaced Bobby Okereke. In fact, it really was an upgrade. This is the first of a three-year deal that has tremendous upside for the Giants' defense. Edmunds started in 13 games last season for a surprisingly good Chicago Bears team, posting four interceptions and 112 total tackles. He is a threat from the linebacker position, and his hype brings completeness to the defensive core.
Darnell Mooney is going to be a stud in 2026 for the G-Men. There is a chance that with the 28-year-old wideout from the Atlanta Falcons, Malik Nabers, returning from that devastating injury, as well as Darius Slayton, Dart should put up some serious numbers.
You can never have too many threats on the field at once, and that is just in the passing game. Cam Skatteboo is also returning from injury as well, after his very impactful first campaign in the NFL. He can bring back a style of football that has been missing from Big Blue since Brandon Jacobs was taking the carries, which is hard-nosed, north-south football.