NFL free agency is officially in swing, although technically, March 9th at 12 through March 11th at 4 is considered the legal tampering period. The New York Giants were amongst the busiest of teams, inking deals with 7 players and letting 6 sign elsewhere. Here’s my analysis of the first day of a busy offseason:
RT Jermaine Eluemenor: 3 years, $36 million
Starting in-house, the Giants were able to retain Eluemenor with a 3-year, 36 million dollar deal. 24.5 million of the contract is guaranteed, with his cap hit at 6 million for 2026, 17.1 million for 2027, and 16 million for 2028. This was a massive move for the Giants and priority number one. Due to Eluemenor’s age, they got him at an extremely reasonable price point. Eluemenor is also one of the most underrated tackles in the league. According to PFF, he’s allowed a meager 4.35 pressure rate since 2024, which is seventh among all tackles.Â
This move solidifies the tackle position for the Giants, with Andrew Thomas signed through 2029. Protecting quarterback Jaxson Dart is obviously crucial, and now the Giants can do so with two bookend tackles.
WR Isaiah Hodgins and TE Chris Manhertz
These moves are more depth-related, but fun nonetheless. Hodgins, specifically, is a fan favorite. Who could forget his coming-out party against the Buffalo Bills?
Hodgins rejoined the Giants in mid-2025 after a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad. This is a solid, low-cost move by the new leadership in New York. Hodgins shouldn’t figure into the offense too much, given his place on the depth chart, but if he’s forced into playing time, we know he can produce. He’s the ideal backup.
Manhertz was also resigned to a 1 year deal. He’s an ideal blocking tight end and should be instrumental in running game coordinator Greg Roman’s scheme. He also wants to be in New York:
TE Isaiah Likely: 3 years, $40 million
The first major move to turn the Giants into the Baltimore Ravens was signing Likely. Likely is a springy, athletic receiving tight end who can contribute in the run game. Blocking isn’t his primary strength, but it can be utilized:
He’s no Manhertz, but he can contribute in the rushing game and is familiar with John Harbaugh and Roman’s scheme. His after-the-catch ability will be his biggest contribution. Likely was 4th amongst tight ends in yards after the catch in 2024 and 11th in 2025, despite missing a portion of the season and playing hurt.
Likely immediately becomes the second-best receiving option on the team, pending the draft and further moves. He’s only 26 years old as well, so this is a massive opportunity to prove he’s one of the league’s premier tight ends.
LB Tremaine Edmunds: 3 years, $36 million
Edmunds continued the Giants’ run of investing in non-premium positions, garnering a multi-year deal to upgrade the linebacker room. Edmunds brings positional size- he’s 6’4, 250, and has 34-inch arms. He’s a similar size to Kayvon Thibodeaux. Edmunds is only 28 years old, so still in the prime of his career. He’s also a sure-handed tackler and pass defender, with a sub 9% missed tackle rate in 4 of the last 5 seasons and 4 interceptions last season.Â
Edmunds is certainly an upgrade over Bobby Okereke and figures to help with the Giants’ rushing defense, which was a league-worst unit last season, but he certainly doesn’t profile as a long-term option. Our eyes should turn to the draft now. Could Sonny Styles be the pick at 5 to play alongside Edmunds?
CB Ar’Darius Washington and P Jordan Stout
The Giants sneakily added two more former Ravens in Washington and Stout to address two areas of need. They made Stout the highest-paid punter in the league, with a 3-year, 12.3 million contract. Stout was the first team All-Pro punter last season, as well as a Pro Bowler.
He ranked 1st in net average and 3rd in gross average, making him one of the most efficient punters in the league. He represents a massive upgrade over former Giants punter Jamie Gillian. Gillian was 30th in net average and 23rd in gross average. Having a field flipper like Stout represents a change in strategy for the squad, with an emphasis on special teams. How many games were impacted by poor special teams?
Washington is much more of a reclamation project. He had a solid 2024, but only appeared in 4 games in 2025 due to a torn Achilles. He’s very similar to Dane Belton, with the flexibility to play most spots in the secondary. He’ll be the third safety in the Giants’ rotation and play a good amount of special teams snaps as well.
