Hoping to rebound after their historically disastrous 2024 season, the New York Giants, all things considered, had a great offseason.
New York signed some big-name free agents, including safety Jevon Holland and cornerback Paulson Abdeo, and brought in veteran signal-caller and Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson on a one-year deal. They also had a widely successful draft, selecting Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter third overall and trading up to draft hopeful franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick. Things are looking good at the Meadowlands.
They’re, however, in the ultra-competitive NFC East, which saw both the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders reach the NFC title game last season—with the Eagles eventually going on to win the Super Bowl. And despite missing the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys also improved and are looking like a threat in the NFC after trading for Pro Bowl wide receiver George Pickens. While it may not be an easy season for the Giants, could this offseason grade help ease some fans’ nerves?
ESPN gives the Giants a suprising offseason grade ahead of the start of the season
In an article for ESPN, Seth Walder gave the Giants a 'B' for their offseason moves, highlighting trading up in the draft to take Dart as a move that he loved, signing Jameis Winston to a two-year deal as a move he liked, but disliking the signing of Abdedo.
"The Giants entered the offseason needing a quarterback. They acquired three. In free agency, they brought in both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston for a combined $14 million in cap space. It was a good bargain," Walder wrote of the quarterback moves.
"At the time, they didn't know whether they'd be able to draft a first-round QB. Wilson raises the floor and Winston the ceiling. Even though neither is the team's future quarterback, why not try both at that cost?"
"The real investment was made in the draft by trading back into the first round to select Dart at No. 25 (after picking edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3). To move up from No. 34 to No. 25, the Giants dealt the Texans No. 99 and a 2026 third-round pick. The real investment was made in the draft by trading back into the first round to select Dart at No. 25 (after picking edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3). To move up from No. 34 to No. 25, the Giants dealt the Texans No. 99 and a 2026 third-round pick."
Even though Walder noted that Adebo had an injury-shortened season with the New Orleans Saints after suffering a broken femur in Week 7, that seems to be the only real blemish or critique he has of the G-Men’s offseason moves—yet it still resulted in them earning only a ‘B.’
Joe Schoen made a heavy investment in improving both the secondary and quarterback positions this offseason after both areas struggled mightily for Big Blue last season. While it remains to be seen how Adebo, Dart, and the other newly acquired Giants will perform this year, an offseason grade of ‘B’ for the Giants shouldn’t be controversial at all.