New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh didn't try to hide his intention to sneak his former Baltimore Ravens players on the plane with him after he was hired. And while Patrick Ricard, Daniel Faalele, and Isaiah Likely wouldn't fit in a standard carry-on, safety Ar'Darius Washington comes close.
But make no mistake, the 5'8", 180-pound safety plays well beyond his listed size. His skill in coverage and tenacity in the backfield give the Giants a weapon that is flying under the radar heading into training camp. Despite a strong 2024 campaign and a quick return from injury in 2025, Washington is fading into the background in conversations about New York's relatively weak secondary.
While he may not be a listed starter, Washington could play a major role for the G-Men. His positional versatility gives the secondary a chance to be more competent than expected in 2026.
Ar'Darius Washington is the versatile piece the Giants need to improve their secondary
A former undrafted free agent, Washington didn't earn a major role for the Ravens until his fourth season. In 2024, the safety burst onto the scene as a versatile game-wrecker. He produced two interceptions, eight passes defended, two sacks, and five tackles for loss.
Unfortunately, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the 2025 offseason. While this kind of injury typically causes players to be sidelined for close to a year, he was back on the field within seven months, appearing in Baltimore's final four games.
In 2024, Washington played all over the Ravens' defense. He logged 343 snaps either in the box or as a slot defender and played 469 snaps as a deep safety.
That positional versatility could open the door for the Giants' secondary to reach a new level in 2026. The G-Men are currently expected to start Jevon Holland and Tyler Nubin at their two safety spots, with Dru Phillips playing in the slot.
Adding Washington to the fold gives them a chance to play more three-safety and dime packages. The former Ravens defender can be a chess piece for defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, disguising coverages and confusing opposing quarterbacks with his movement.
The Giants have been subpar in coverage for years. New signings at cornerback and safety haven't been able to dig them out of the hole. Washington may not crack the starting lineup this season, but he might be the depth piece that the unit needs to become part of a more complete defense.
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