5 questions facing the Giants in offseason
Giants receiver Wan'Dale Robinson. Credit: Getty Images/Ron Jenkins
The Giants head into a pivotal offseason after concluding the worst two-year stretch in team history. Things must change from a 4-13 campaign, and a new coach is just one thing that’ll be different in 2026.
Here are five questions that must be answered during the next few months:
1. What will the Giants look for in a head coach?
Players threw out qualities for the type of coach they want. Leader of men. Desire to win. Someone who holds players accountable.
Darius Slayton, one of the longest-tenured Giants, had a specific archetype: someone who’s Tom Coughlin-esque, a nod to the coach who led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories.
“He brought a lot of things to this organization,” Slayton said. “I think it’s no mistake why he won when he was here. His personality and the way he went about his business.”
General manager Joe Schoen kept his job and has been entrusted with fixing the roster mess he created. His second coaching hire must succeed. Names such as John Harbaugh, Kevin Stefanski, Mike McCarthy and various coordinators will come up for interviews, but how the next coach leads is more important than their resumes.
2. Which free agents will be re-signed?
Wan’Dale Robinson, Jermaine Eluemunor and Cor’Dale Flott all had strong seasons that will command big paydays in free agency. Will the Giants re-sign them and other key free agents or let them walk and hope new players will step up?
One thing is for sure: The roster can’t stay intact after going 7-27 the last two seasons.
“I love playing with Jaxson [Dart], love playing with these guys that are here and that will probably be here next year,” Robinson said Monday. “I would love to stay, but business is business the way this league is.”
Eluemunor spoke about the offensive line’s continuity being a strength, especially when Andrew Thomas got healthy. Flott was the team’s best cornerback. But how the Giants view their value will help determine if this roster undergoes radical changes this offseason.
The Giants also could make salary cuts to free up more space. According to Over The Cap, they’re 19th in cap space available at $11 million.
3. What are the key needs in the draft?
Receiver, interior defensive line and cornerback will be top priorities. The Giants’ 2,470 rushing yards allowed was the third most in team history, and they were 31st in rushing defense and last in yards per carry (5.31).
Stopping the run must be a greater priority after not doing so the last two seasons. In addition, if Flott leaves in free agency, the Giants need more depth at cornerback because they still lack somebody who can shut down opposing receivers.
Dart will take a leap if his receivers do. A healthy Malik Nabers would help, but the Giants need a reliable No. 2 receiver.
4. Will anybody stay from the coaching staff?
Interim coach Mike Kafka will be interviewed for the full-time job. The rest of the staff will take time off until the Giants find a head coach.
A new coach could bring in his own staff, but there could be some holdovers to maintain continuity. Interim defensive coordinator Charlie Bullen did a great job as outside linebackers coach. Carmen Bricillo oversaw the offensive line’s strong season.
On Monday, Kafka declined to say much about a future with the Giants beyond his interview. It will be important for the next coach to bring in people who can get more out of this roster. It wouldn't hurt to keep an assistant or two to make the transition easier.
5. What is the early 2026 schedule outlook?
The Giants’ upcoming schedule should be a bit more favorable than it was this past season. They began 2025 with the league’s hardest schedule based on 2024’s win-loss record.
Next season’s opponents? Their schedule is ranked 17th based on win-loss record and includes seven games against playoff teams.
Besides the six games against their usual NFC East foes, the Cowboys, Eagles and Commanders, the Giants will host the Cardinals, Browns, Jaguars, Saints, 49ers and Titans. They will face the Lions, Texans, Colts, Rams and Seahawks on the road. There’s also a chance the Giants will play an overseas game.
More than four wins are possible with that slate. That should give some hope through the schedule release in May that the Giants can turn things around.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
More Giants
