Giants Aim to Bolster Roster in Free Agency

New York expected to target safety and center in offseason moves

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York Giants are looking to make a splash in free agency this offseason as they transition to the John Harbaugh era. According to NFL writer Greg Auman, the Giants are expected to target safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and center Tyler Linderbaum, two top free agents, to help improve their roster.

Why it matters

The Giants are coming off a disappointing season and are looking to rebuild under new head coach John Harbaugh. Signing high-profile free agents like Gardner-Johnson and Linderbaum would be a signal of their intent to compete in the NFC East and return to the playoffs.

The details

Auman projects the Giants will sign Gardner-Johnson, a 28-year-old safety who has had an up-and-down career, to help shore up their secondary. Linderbaum, a 25-year-old center, is expected to be one of the most sought-after offensive linemen in free agency after making three straight Pro Bowls. The Giants have around $6 million in cap space, so they may need to clear more room to land both players.

  • The Giants are expected to be active in free agency this offseason as they transition to the John Harbaugh era.

The players

C.J. Gardner-Johnson

A 28-year-old safety who has had an up-and-down career, including six interceptions each in 2022 and 2024 with the Eagles, but struggled with inconsistent play last season with the Bears.

Tyler Linderbaum

A 25-year-old center who has made three straight Pro Bowls and was ranked as the 4th best center in the NFL by Pro Football Focus in 2025. He is expected to be one of the most sought-after offensive linemen in free agency.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Gardner-Johnson, 28, is such a mixed bag, with six picks each in 2022 and 2024 in Super Bowl seasons with the Eagles, but he bounced from the Texans to the Bears last year, with two picks, three sacks and inconsistent play. Giving him a valuation is difficult — is he the guy who got $9 million a year not that long ago, or the one who was cut in-season and took a league-minimum deal with the Bears? Pairing him with the right coach to get him focused and playing at a high level again is a gamble that could still pay off.”

— Greg Auman, NFL Writer (FOXSports.com)

“Linderbaum, 25, has been to three straight Pro Bowls and was PFF's No. 4 center in 2025. The Ravens had declined his fifth-year option, pricey at $24 million or so, and while he's likely the highest-paid offensive lineman in free agency, that should be at less than $20 million a year. The league's top-paid center right now is the Chiefs' Creed Humphrey at $18 million a year, so he'll likely want to trump that. With coaching changes, will he stay in Baltimore, or look at joining John Harbaugh with the Giants or Todd Monken with the Browns?”

— Greg Auman, NFL Writer (FOXSports.com)

What’s next

The Giants will need to clear additional cap space to be able to sign both Gardner-Johnson and Linderbaum, who are expected to command top dollar on the free agent market.

The takeaway

The Giants are signaling their intent to be aggressive in free agency this offseason as they look to build a contender under new head coach John Harbaugh. Signing high-profile players like Gardner-Johnson and Linderbaum would be a major boost to their roster and help them compete in the NFC East.