3 Sneaky Good NFL Free Agents Giants Must Sign in 2026 Offseason

The New York Giants are looking to bounce back, and here are three sneaky good free agents the team must sign.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The New York Giants are hoping for better health and a boost from new head coach John Harbaugh in the 2026 season. The team has tough roster choices to make and must attack free agency wisely. This article highlights three sneaky good free agents the Giants should target: center Tyler Linderbaum, cornerback Jaylen Watson, and defensive tackle D.J. Reader.

Why it matters

The Giants finished 4-13 in 2025 and need to improve their roster to become a playoff contender. Signing these three free agents could significantly boost the team's offensive line, secondary, and run defense, which were all areas of weakness last season.

The details

The article suggests the Giants should pursue Tyler Linderbaum, a premier run-blocking center who could elevate their power running game. Linderbaum is expected to command a high-priced contract, potentially making him the highest-paid center in the NFL. The team should also target cornerback Jaylen Watson, who has been a consistent performer for the Chiefs and could provide a boost to the Giants' secondary. Finally, the article recommends the Giants sign veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader, who could improve their run defense, which ranked near the bottom of the league in recent seasons.

  • The Giants finished the 2025 season with a 4-13 record.

The players

Tyler Linderbaum

A center who has proven to be one of the NFL's premier run blockers, earning above a 78.0 PFF run-blocking grade in each of his four seasons.

Jaylen Watson

A cornerback who has been a consistent performer for the Kansas City Chiefs, earning a 68.0-plus PFF overall grade in each of the past three seasons.

D.J. Reader

A 10-year veteran defensive tackle who is solid against the run and could help improve the Giants' run defense, which ranked near the bottom of the league in recent seasons.

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What they’re saying

“The recent rookie extensions of Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (four-year, $72 million) and Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens (four-year, $68 million) will be the likely starting point for any team looking to acquire Linderbaum. Given the need for quality blocking on the interior for many franchises, Linderbaum could quickly jump to the top of the list, becoming the highest-paid center in the NFL.”

— Mason Cameron (Pro Football Focus)

“Watson brings high-percentile length at cornerback to make him an enticing option this free agency cycle. At $12.5 million annually, Watson's projected value would be in line with Brandon Stephens' three-year, $36 million deal last offseason with the Jets.”

— Mason Cameron (Pro Football Focus)

“Dear CHIEFS KINGDOM, If this is the last ride, I truly thank you for all the passion and support you've showed over the past 4 years. The best 4 years of my life. From a 7th round draft pick out of Augusta, Ga. I felt welcomed since the first day I walked in the building. Never in a million years I could've imagined being a 2x Sb champ. To playing in Arrowhead in front of the best fans in the world. Through the good years and bad, you guys were always there, 100 degrees or -30.”

— Jaylen Watson (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

Whether Watson leaves the Chiefs remains to be seen. He certainly didn't burn bridges, according to his post on Instagram via Sports Illustrated.

The takeaway

Signing these three free agents could significantly improve the Giants' roster and help the team become a playoff contender in 2026. Linderbaum would boost the offensive line, Watson would strengthen the secondary, and Reader would shore up the run defense, all of which were areas of weakness for the Giants in 2025.