Anthony Rivardo
Despite the early-market fireworks and reports that the New York Giants have reached the “low end” of their spending budget, Joe Schoen isn’t quite ready to close the checkbook. According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, the front office still intends to make further additions to the roster.
The Giants Reportedly Intend to Make More Additions
Raanan reports that the Giants will still make more acquisitions in free agency, particularly targeting the offensive and defensive lines.
“The Giants still intend to make more additions. Look for them to add on the offensive and defensive line,” Raanan reported (h/t Sleeper).
While the recent restructure of Brian Burns’ contract was initially framed as a move to create “operating funds” rather than spending cash for further upgrades, Raanan’s latest update suggests the Giants are lurking in the third wave of free agency. This is a clear signal that John Harbaugh won’t head into the draft with glaring holes in the trenches if a savvy, veteran value is still sitting on the market.
Run Defense is Still a Major Cause for Concern
The Giants’ run defense was a major Achilles’ heel last season, and the current depth chart behind the starters remains dangerously thin. While the team made a splash at linebacker with the Tremaine Edmunds signing, the defensive line still needs to be a priority for additional reinforcements.
The NFLPA database indicates that the Giants currently have roughly $19 million in total cap space without accounting for the signings of Isaiah Likely, Greg Newsome, Calvin Austin, and Darnell Mooney, per Dan Duggan of The Athletic. This doesn’t give them a lot of wiggle room to spend, but it does position them well enough to pick up a high-level rotational piece on a “modest” deal. This would alleviate the pressure to force a reach for a defensive tackle during the 2026 NFL Draft and provide Dennard Wilson with the depth he needs to keep his front seven fresh.
Right Guard is Still a Massive Hole
On the other side of the ball, the offensive line remains a cause for concern despite the unit’s solid performance in 2025. While the team successfully brought back Jermaine Eluemunor, the right guard spot is still an open wound.
The Giants were initially interested in pursuing the higher end of the guard market, targeting free agents like Alijah Vera-Tucker and Wyatt Teller. However, the top of the market seemed to be priced out of their range. But, instead of overpaying, the Giants are attempting to wait out the market, see if prices come down, and make an eventual signing to patch up the right guard spot.
Executing the Harbaugh Blueprint
Ultimately, these intended moves reinforce John Harbaugh’s philosophy of roster construction: you can never have enough big bodies in the trenches. By adding affordable veterans now, the Giants will ensure they don’t have to gamble the development of Jaxson Dart on unproven late-round rookies or practice-squad elevations.
Adding more talent through free agency will allow the Giants to remain flexible heading into April, knowing they’ve built a floor of competency across both lines of scrimmage. As the latest wave of free agency cools, expect the Giants to be the team that pounces on the best player available among the remaining trench veterans.
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