The New York Giants’ 2026 post-draft roster is a puzzle with some missing pieces. While the big names are in the building, the depth chart still feels like a construction site in some areas.
If general manager Joe Schoen wants to make sure this new-look team is completely ready for Week 1, he needs to look past the impressive draft class and look at the free agent market for some immediate, high-impact insurance veterans.
The 2026 Draft was all about the future. The next few weeks are about adding as much talent as possible to round out the rest of the roster.
The G-Men have a chance to add some serious backbone to this already fascinating squad with guys who are still sitting by their phones waiting for their next opportunity. I'm talking about a mix of veterans and future Hall of Famers who can provide the stability this roster currently lacks. Here are three free agents who should be on the Giants’ shortlist before OTAs start up.
3 free agents the Giants should have on speed dial after the 2026 Draft
D.J. Reader, DT (Detroit Lions)
Let’s stop pretending the interior of this defensive line is fine. It’s not. Trading away a generational anchor like Dexter Lawrence left a 340-pound crater in the middle of the defense. While Big Blue has a stable of effort guys, they lack a true space-eater who demands double-teams.
D.J. Reader is exactly what the doctor ordered. He’s a professional brick wall who understands his role and what's asked of him. He doesn't need to rack up 10 sacks to be the MVP of the defense. He just needs to play big and let the pass-rushers not get beat up by the opposing offensive line.
Getting him on a one-year deal makes a ton of sense, even after signing Shelby Harris. They didn't exactly address the position in the draft with Bobby Jamison-Travis in the sixth round, so adding a guy like Reader would be an unreal move.
Jauan Jennings, WR (San Francisco 49ers)
Everyone is waiting for the Odell Beckham Jr. reunion tour, but the Giants need a football player, not a nostalgia act. It helps that he's been linked to Big Blue before.
Jennings is the gritty, snub-worthy alternative who could actually move the needle in 2026 and beyond. He just came off a 2025 season where he hauled in nine touchdowns for the 49ers. The best part about his game is actually what fits Harbaugh's system the most -- Jennings is arguably the best blocking receiver in the league.
Signing the 28-year-old at the right price -- given reports he's seeking a multi-year deal -- would be a masterstroke. He brings a physical, competitive edge to a receiver room that needs some true grit. He’s the guy who does the dirty work that keeps drives alive and opens up opportunities for the young guys.
Von Miller, OLB (Washington Commanders)
Let’s get crazy. Von Miller might be 37, but the man just proved in 2025 with the Commanders that he can still roll out of bed and delete quarterbacks to the tune of nine sacks.
Adding a future Hall of Famer to a pass-rush room already filled might be worthy of an eye roll, but the thought of Miller joining a pass-rush room with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Arvell Reese would mean no QB goes unpunished. You can't have too many pass-rushers.
Miller is currently testing the market and has expressed interest in a return to Denver, but the Giants could offer him a chance to be the veteran closer for an ascending defense. On a one-year, incentive-heavy deal, he’s the ultimate low-risk, high-reward piece who can still take over a game.
He’s a locker-room guy through and through, and his presence alone would force opposing coordinators to rethink their... everything.
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