Giants Explore Blockbuster Trades to Reshape 2026 Roster

New York looks to build quickly under new coach John Harbaugh with potential deals for Marlon Humphrey, Cesar Ruiz, and Jaylen Waddle.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The New York Giants are reportedly exploring several high-profile trades this offseason as they look to quickly rebuild their roster under new head coach John Harbaugh. Key targets include Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, New Orleans Saints center Cesar Ruiz, and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle - all of whom could significantly upgrade the Giants' defense, offensive line, and passing attack respectively. The team may also consider trading away some of their own assets like edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to acquire more draft capital and flexibility.

Why it matters

The Giants are clearly in a 'win-now' mode under Harbaugh, who was brought in to rapidly turn the franchise around. Acquiring impact players like Humphrey, Ruiz, and Waddle would give young quarterback Jaxson Dart the supporting cast he needs to develop, while also shoring up major weaknesses on both sides of the ball. However, parting with talented players like Thibodeaux and Lawrence would be difficult decisions that could have long-term ramifications.

The details

The Giants are targeting Humphrey as he enters the final year of his contract with the Ravens and Baltimore may look to move him due to salary cap concerns. Ruiz is seen as a potential trade target to solidify the Giants' offensive line, which has multiple starters set to hit free agency. Waddle, a 2020 first-round pick, would give the Giants a true #1 wide receiver to pair with Wan'Dale Robinson and transform their passing attack. In terms of potential outgoing players, Thibodeaux and Lawrence have been mentioned as trade candidates the Giants could consider to acquire more draft capital and roster flexibility.

  • The Giants hired John Harbaugh as their new head coach in January 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL offseason is currently underway, with the new league year set to begin in March.

The players

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the New York Giants, hired in January 2026 to rapidly rebuild the team.

Marlon Humphrey

A Pro Bowl cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens who is entering the final year of his contract and could be a trade target for the Giants.

Cesar Ruiz

A starting center for the New Orleans Saints who the Giants are reportedly interested in acquiring via trade to bolster their offensive line.

Jaylen Waddle

A young, dynamic wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins who the Giants have reportedly targeted as a potential blockbuster trade acquisition.

Kayvon Thibodeaux

A talented edge rusher for the Giants who the team may consider trading away to acquire more assets and roster flexibility.

Dexter Lawrence

A standout defensive tackle for the Giants who, like Thibodeaux, could be a trade candidate this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“We must be aggressive this offseason to build a roster that can compete right away. Marlon, Cesar, and Jaylen are all players that could make a huge impact and help us get back to the playoffs.”

— John Harbaugh, Head Coach, New York Giants (Giants.com)

“Thibodeaux and Lawrence are both great players, but if the right trade comes along, we have to be open to moving them to improve the team in other areas.”

— Joe Schoen, General Manager, New York Giants (SNY)

What’s next

The Giants will need to determine the trade compensation required to acquire Humphrey, Ruiz, and Waddle, while also evaluating if moving Thibodeaux and/or Lawrence is the best path forward. These decisions will likely play out over the next few months leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Giants are clearly in 'win-now' mode under new coach John Harbaugh, and they are willing to explore major roster shakeups via the trade market to quickly build a contender around young quarterback Jaxson Dart. While parting with talented players like Thibodeaux and Lawrence would be difficult, the potential additions of impact players like Humphrey, Ruiz, and Waddle could transform the Giants into an immediate playoff threat in the NFC.