Will the New York Giants turn over a new leaf as a winning team in 2026 after missing the playoffs in 12 of the last 14 seasons?
NFL.com’s Eric Edholm believes the Giants have a strong chance to redefine the narrative they have carried for years as a substandard franchise since their last Super Bowl victory in the 2011 season. A turnaround in the win column could be on the horizon in 2026, driven by improved contributions from both coaches and players.
Jaxson Dart had some real high points in his rookie season and could be even better in Year 2, assuming he can stay healthy. If Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo return healthy, there’s some exciting skill-position talent. And perhaps the offensive line won’t be a disappointing unit; it has been trending upward.
Combine that with a talented defense, especially up front, and the Giants might just have a path back to respectability, perhaps even the playoffs this season. The schedule is a bear, with several tough games, and the Eagles have owned the division the past two seasons, so there are roadblocks.
But if Harbaugh can instill his trademark toughness — pretty much all his Ravens teams boasted it — they could make a big leap. The Giants were 1-7 in one-score games a year ago and might not be as far away as they appear to some.
The Giants’ offense also features a revamped receiving corps that includes Darnell Mooney and Odell Beckham Jr., along with a running back room led by Cam Skattebo and featuring Tyrone Tracy Jr. The talent is clearly in place on that side of the ball.
On defense, the departure of Dexter Lawrence will be felt next season, and Roy Robertson-Harris’ torn Achilles represents another setback to the interior pass rush. Nevertheless, the Giants remain strong on the edge and at the second level with players such as Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese. Under head coach John Harbaugh’s new culture in New York, they should be better equipped to get opposing offenses off the field.
Talent has not been the most glaring issue for the Giants in recent years, particularly on defense. With a young roster that has gained valuable experience, the team appears poised for improvement in 2026. Coach Harbaugh, a proven Super Bowl-winning coach, has the pedigree to lead that turnaround.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Will New York Giants redefine the narrative with winning season in 2026?
Reporting by Matt Legros, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Matt Legros, Giants Wire | USA TODAY Network
