New York Giants Offseason Activity Highlights
Coaching and Player Insights
Head coach John Harbaugh expressed optimism regarding quarterback Jaxson Dart, noting his route-running ability, large catch radius, and playmaking skills post-catch. Harbaugh highlighted Dart's versatility, stating he can operate in diverse offensive schemes, aligning with Harbaugh's previous strategies in Baltimore. The goal for the Giants' offense is to be high-powered yet adaptable.
Head coach John Harbaugh expressed optimism regarding quarterback Jaxson Dart's versatility and playmaking, aiming for a high-powered yet adaptable offense.
NFL Annual Meeting Attendance
Giants co-owner John Mara attended the NFL Annual Meeting despite ongoing cancer treatments, a notable presence given his health concerns which prevented road game attendance in 2025. Mara, an influential member of the Competition Committee, met with Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. Chris Mara, senior player personnel executive, also represented ownership and played a key role in the hiring of John Harbaugh.
John Mara's attendance at the NFL Annual Meeting, despite ongoing health challenges, underscored his influential role and commitment to the team.
Defensive Line Reinforcement
The Giants are considering defensive tackle D.J. Reader to address deficiencies in run defense. Last season, New York allowed the most rushing yards per game in the NFC and a league-worst 5.3 yards per carry. Reader, a 330-pound run defender with 128 career starts, could significantly bolster the defensive line when paired with Dexter Lawrence, despite his limited pass-rushing statistics (12.5 career sacks).
To counter a league-worst 5.3 yards per carry allowed last season, the Giants are targeting run-stuffing defensive tackle D.J. Reader.
NFL Draft Strategy
A projected trade involves the Saints acquiring pick No. 5 from the Giants for pick No. 8, No. 73, and a 2027 fourth-round pick. This move would provide the Giants with an additional third-round pick for the current year. With the No. 8 pick, the Giants are projected to target linebacker Sonny Styles from Ohio State. This aligns with head coach John Harbaugh's historical preference for elite linebackers and GM Joe Schoen's focus on players with high Relative Athletic Score (RAS) numbers in the first round.
A potential draft trade would give the Giants additional capital, with a projected target of Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at pick No. 8.
Offseason Program Commencement
The first offseason workout program under John Harbaugh's tenure as Giants head coach will begin on April 7. NFL rules permit teams with new head coaches to start their offseason programs two weeks earlier than those with returning head coaches. The program is voluntary for players.
New head coach John Harbaugh will kick off the Giants' voluntary offseason workout program on April 7, two weeks ahead of most teams.