John Harbaugh and the rest of the New York Giants coaching staff, it’s been a minute, but I thought now would be a great time to check in, especially with training camp around the corner.
First off, I’ll have you know that Big Blue fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about the 2026 season, but it all starts with training camp, where we'll get our first look at what this team will look like.
Arguably, the biggest positional battle at camp this year is wide receiver. It won’t be an easy decision by any means, given the several injuries at the position, free-agent signings, and the talent competing for their spot, but until a group is picked for the 53-man roster, it's speculation city.
I think I speak for all Giants fans when I say we want to know who we can expect Jaxson Dart to rely on in the passing game in '26. Lucky for you, I’m going to tell you exactly what Big Blue's wide receiver room should look like going into next season, and you can thank me later.
It’s important to note that typically six to seven wide receivers make the 53-man coming out of training camp, so only a few players will earn a spot. The rest will have the chance to sign elsewhere or join the Giants’ practice squad.
Let’s start with Malik Nabers, who has certainly been one of the biggest storylines of the offseason. It seems like nobody has a timetable for when the star wideout will return, as we have gotten no updates on how he is recovering from the ACL tear he suffered last season and the two surgeries he underwent since then, leaving fans concerned.
Nabers will make the team, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he started the season on the Injured Reserve or Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which would require him to miss the first four weeks and give someone else an opportunity in his place.
Darius Slayton and Darnell Mooney remain locks to survive the final cuts. Both are reliable, veteran options who can contribute immediately, given their experience and relationships with the coaching staff. Slayton is entering his eighth season with the G-Men, and Mooney played under offensive coordinator Matt Nagy with the Chicago Bears not too long ago.
I also believe rookie third-round pick Malachi Fields out of Notre Dame could earn a roster spot and have an impressive training camp. The G-Men traded with the Cleveland Browns to move up to pick No. 74 and select him in the NFL Draft, suggesting the potential they see in him.
That leaves veterans Odell Beckham Jr., Calvin Austin III, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Braxton Berrios, Jalin Hyatt, and Isaiah Hodgins. Although OBJ is a fan favorite in New York and could make the roster, he still has to earn it. I think his connection with Harbaugh, his appeal to the fan base, his leadership, and how good he looks will lead to him making the roster.
With returner Gunner Olszewski suffering a season-ending injury at the start of the offseason, that could only leave one option as a replacement, and I think that will be Austin III, who will beat out Berrios for the job. Austin III could be used as a returner and/or a slot receiver for Dart.
The last spot will go to JuJu, who, like Mooney, has a prior relationship with Nagy from playing under him in Kansas City and is a high-profile veteran known for his playmaking abilities.
When all is said and done, seven wideouts will make the team: Nabers, Slayton, Mooney, Fields, Odell, Austin III, and JuJu. That leaves Berrios, Hodgins, Hyatt, Beaux Collins, and Dalen Cambre to kick it somewhere else.
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