Giants Release Veteran Kicker, Opening Cap Space

3 Free Agent Targets to Consider for New York's Revamped Roster

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:05pm

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The New York Giants have released veteran kicker Graham Gano, creating about $4.5 million in cap space. With the draft less than a month away, the Giants may not be done with free agency and have several options to consider to further bolster their roster.

Why it matters

The Giants are undergoing a roster overhaul under new head coach John Harbaugh, and the cap space created by Gano's release provides an opportunity to add experienced talent to key positions like the defensive line and offensive line.

The details

The Giants signed Jason Sanders earlier this month, making Gano expendable. While the team is not flush with cap space, they can still make moves to create more room. Three potential free agent targets include veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who has experience playing for Harbaugh, Shelby Harris, a solid run defender with pass-rushing ability, and guard Joel Bitonio, a longtime starter for the Cleveland Browns.

  • The Giants released Graham Gano this week.
  • The 2023 NFL Draft is less than a month away.

The players

Graham Gano

A veteran kicker who was released by the Giants, creating about $4.5 million in cap space.

Jason Sanders

A kicker recently signed by the Giants, making Gano expendable.

Calais Campbell

A veteran defensive lineman who played for Giants head coach John Harbaugh in Baltimore and could provide leadership and production on the Giants' defensive line.

Shelby Harris

A defensive lineman who has spent the last three seasons with the Cleveland Browns, providing solid run defense and pass-rushing ability.

Joel Bitonio

A veteran guard who has been a longtime starter for the Cleveland Browns and could help stabilize the Giants' offensive line.

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What they’re saying

“Not to beat this dead horse — but I will until the option is exhausted — but Calais Campbell would be an ideal signing for the New York Giants.”

— Nick Falato, Author

What’s next

The Giants will likely continue to explore free agent options to further improve their roster ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Giants' release of veteran kicker Graham Gano has created valuable cap space that the team can use to add experienced talent at key positions like the defensive line and offensive line, as they continue to reshape the roster under new head coach John Harbaugh.