The “Baltimore Giants” have arrived as John Harbaugh signed four former Ravens, all set to play key roles for the G-Men in 2026. Let’s break down what to expect from each and their potential first-year impact in the Big Apple.
Let’s start with tight end Isaiah Likely, Big Blue’s first and biggest free agency signing. He inked a three-year, $40 million deal and will be crucial to the Giants’ offense, essentially replacing Wan’Dale Robinson in a non-traditional WR2 role.
You might be asking how a tight end will replace Wan’Dale. Well, he’ll be a heavily used weapon that Jaxson Dart can rely on, who, by the way, recruited him to New York, so that tells you all you need to know about how much he will like throwing to his new tight end.
The new-look Giants offense will often feature two-tight end sets, a formation Harbaugh is notorious for using. He did it in Baltimore with Likely and Mark Andrews; now, we could see this approach again, this time with Likely and Theo Johnson. Picture Likely and Theo tight on the line, with Malik Nabers as the primary wide receiver, all on the field together. That’s a defensive back’s worst nightmare.
In recent years, championship teams have centered around strong tight end rooms like the Chiefs with Travis Kelce, the Patriots with Rob Gronkowski, and even the Eagles with Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. Let Harbaugh cook because he may be up to something here with these tight ends!
Next up is the Giants' signing of Ravens fullback Pat Ricard. If you don’t like this move, feel free to stop reading. “Pancake Pat” will be a monster in Big Blue’s backfield and quickly become a fan favorite. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound fullback will run through people and add an unstoppable force with his elite run-blocking attributes.
You’re telling me if you see Cam Skattebo coming at you full steam with the All-Pro fullback “Pancake Pat” blocking for him, you’re not going to be scared. That is dangerous, and defensive players might as well just let those guys walk right into the end zone at that point. Speaking of Skatt, he apparently helped recruit Ricard to New York as well, so credit to him for that.
Ricard is also very loyal to Harbaugh, telling the media he would have followed him to a high school football team as a water boy if Harbs had asked. That’s exactly the attitude we need, guys who want to be here and play for Harbaugh, and “Pancake Pat” is just that.
The Giants also signed Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington. While he’s unlikely to start, he adds valuable depth to Big Blue’s secondary. Washington, undrafted in 2021, spent five years in Baltimore under Harbaugh, with his best season in 2024. He is now coming off an Achilles injury that sidelined him for much of last year. He did, however, return for the final four games.
I like this low-risk, high-reward signing for the G-Men. Expectations for Washington are low, but he could break out. New York is still likely to draft a safety, possibly Caleb Downs, and already has Tyler Nubin and Jevon Holland on the roster, but more depth is always a win.
Lastly, the Giants signed former Ravens punter Jordan Stout to a three-year, $12.3 million deal, making him the highest-paid punter in NFL history. Stout is known for booming punts and flipping the field. Last year, he ranked fifth in yards per attempt (50.1), third in net yards (44.9), and third in return yards allowed (158), earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
The Giants hope they won’t need to use their punter often, but special teams remain vital and have been a struggle for the G-Men over the last few years. Stout is a solid addition, and with new kicker Jason Sanders, they should help solve special teams issues.
Consider it "Written in Blue."