Giants' Moves in Free Agency: Best and Worst So Far

New York Giants make key additions and re-signings in the first wave of free agency.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:53pm

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The New York Giants have been active in free agency, making several moves to reshape their roster under new head coach John Harbaugh. While the signing of tight end Isaiah Likely is seen as the team's best move, the decision to re-sign 2022 first-round pick Evan Neal, who struggled as a rookie, is viewed as the worst move so far.

Why it matters

The Giants have missed the playoffs for the last three seasons and are looking to turn things around under Harbaugh. The team's free agency decisions will be crucial in determining whether they can improve and compete in the NFC East.

The details

The Giants signed Likely, an athletic tight end from the Baltimore Ravens, to a three-year, $40 million deal. Likely is expected to be a valuable weapon for young quarterback Jaxson Dart. However, the team's decision to bring back Neal, the 7th overall pick in 2022 who had a disappointing rookie campaign, on a one-year minimum deal has been criticized as the Giants may be better off moving on from the underperforming offensive lineman.

  • The free agent signing period began on March 15, 2026.

The players

Isaiah Likely

A tight end signed from the Baltimore Ravens to a three-year, $40 million contract.

Jaxson Dart

The Giants' second-year quarterback who will benefit from the addition of Likely as a pass-catching threat.

Evan Neal

The Giants' 2022 first-round draft pick who struggled as a rookie and was re-signed to a one-year minimum deal.

John Harbaugh

The Giants' new head coach who is tasked with turning the team around after three straight missed playoff seasons.

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What they’re saying

“With WR Malik Nabers recovering from a torn ACL and Wan'Dale Robinson headed to free agency, the Giants needed weapons for QB Jaxson Dart. Likely, a 6-foot-4, 245-pounder, has plenty of untapped potential, and no one knows that better than new Giants coach John Harbaugh.”

— Ralph Vacchiano, Fox Sports (Fox Sports)

What’s next

The Giants will continue to monitor Evan Neal's progress and development during the offseason program to determine if he can be a viable option at right guard for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Giants' free agency moves so far have been a mixed bag, with the addition of tight end Isaiah Likely seen as a strong move to bolster the offense, but the decision to bring back 2022 first-round pick Evan Neal, who struggled as a rookie, raises questions about the team's evaluation and development of young talent.