Giants GM Joe Schoen wants you to believe he can fix mess, but can he?

Giants general manager Joe Schoen became the latest person to take blame for the team’s struggles. During his bye week news conference on Tuesday, he also tried to sell himself as the person who can fix it.

"Everybody's going to make mistakes and we're going to get some things right,” Schoen said. “As long as you're learning from those mistakes and you reflect on the process in place and where you went wrong and you can continue to get better, that's what's most important.”

There are questions about whether that’s actually happening, given Schoen's track record. He did draft Malik Nabers and Jaxson Dart, but he also picked Evan Neal, Deonte Banks and Jalin Hyatt.

There are more whiffs to be considered, but one that stands out is the shaky return from this year's s free-agent class. It’s telling that Jameis Winston played two games and might be the best overall addition.

That’s poor value for the Giants, who paid $221.3 million in free-agent contracts, fifth most in the NFL according to Over The Cap. On top of that, $106.3 million of that is owed this season, third most of any team.

The Giants have gotten little to show for it.

Darius Slayton was the highest-paid returning free agent, and his three-year, $36 million contract was worth it because it rewarded a player who has been productive and a true professional in his first seven seasons. The wide receiver has struggled, partly because of injuries that cost him three games. His 407 receiving yards are third behind Wan’Dale Robinson and tight end Theo Johnson. Slayton, though, is among the better returns in this free-agent group.

Among the highest-priced newcomers, Russell Wilson stands out as a flop. He got a one-year, $10 million deal to be the Giants' starting quarterback. That experiment lasted three games; Wilson was benched after the Giants didn’t score touchdowns in two of his starts.

Wilson was the emergency third quarterback on Monday night at New England. It was the first time he’s been inactive in his 14-year career.

Cornerback Paulson Adebo received the team’s most expensive free-agent deal at $54 million for three years. Safety Jevon Holland was behind him at $45.3 million for the same span. Both have been fine additions but not game-changers.

Adebo’s debut gave hope he could be a shutdown cornerback as he limited Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin in the season opener. But that promise hasn’t been fulfilled and he’s missed five games with a right knee injury.

“I’m always wanting to show what I can do with my skill set, so it’s a little frustrating,” Adebo told Newsday. “But same time, that’s part of football and you gotta be able to deal with it.”

Holland got his first interception of the season against the Lions in Week 12. He's been solid but hasn't had the kind of impact in his first season that safety Xavier McKinney had as an All-Pro last season after leaving the Giants for the Packers.

James Hudson started two games with left tackle Andrew Thomas injured and was supposed to bring depth at swing tackle, but he hasn’t played an offensive snap since Week 2, when he was pulled out after getting penalized four times on one drive.

Defensive end Chauncey Golston played only six games because of injuries, and his role is limited with the Giants drafting Abdul Carter. Linebacker Chris Board has played  two games and is on injured reserve. Defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris started every game and might be the best signing besides Winston, but the Giants’ run defense is the NFL’s worst, so Robertson-Harris hasn’t helped fix the problem.

Winston did fine filling in for two starts when Dart was hurt. The Giants went 0-2, but while Winston threw a critical late interception in the Packers’ loss, he kept the Giants close in both games and even caught a highlight-reel touchdown pass against the Lions. 

When it adds up, Schoen’s additions haven’t produced enough this year. It’s either evidence to doubt he can fix the problem or a chance to prove he’s right in saying he won’t make the same mistake twice.

Time will decide what the answer is.

Carter uses bye week to reflect

Abdul Carter said  part of his bye week will involve self-reflection. After his second benching in three weeks, the rookie linebacker vowed to be better in the wake of more criticism from teammates.

Dexter Lawrence said he needs to grow up. Bobby Okereke said it’s a reminder to everyone to be a professional. Carter vowed to take in what was said and work on re-earning respect in the locker room.

“I’m learning a lot in terms of just being a man, being in the NFL, just going through it,” said Carter, the No. 3 overall pick. "I’m learning a lot and I’m glad I’m going through it so I can be better prepared in the future.”

Giants on TV

For those who need their Giants fix with the team off this weekend, two quarterbacks will be joining studio shows on Sunday.

Wilson will be on CBS’ NFL Today as a guest analyst. Winston will be a guest host on Fox’s NFL Sunday and Kickoff.

Thrilled to have 10x Pro Bowler, 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year and Super Bowl Champion @DangeRussWilson on to talk ball this Sunday 👏 pic.twitter.com/1gDdEVT3vL

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 4, 2025

Your favorite Super Bowl correspondent is back! @Jaboowins will join our FOX NFL Kickoff and FOX NFL Sunday shows this week 🔥

📺: Coverage starts 11am ET on FOX pic.twitter.com/fgdhsb6Ozd

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) December 5, 2025

It’ll be Wilson’s first time in such a role and could be an audition for future endeavors after his career ends. Winston previously served as a Super Bowl correspondent for Fox in New Orleans this past February.

If that isn't enough, the Giants will be featured in the second episode of "Hard Knocks: In Season With The NFC East" on HBO on Tuesday night. 

Hopeful finish

The Giants’ schedule has been brutal all season, but they might get a reprieve in the final four games.

According to Tankathon, the Giants have the easiest schedule remaining based on won-loss records. Three of their remaining opponents — the Commanders, Vikings and Raiders — have below-.500 records, although starting quarterback Jayden Daniels will return for Washington this Sunday. 

The Raiders also have two wins. That game could have draft position implications for both teams.