Giants Linked to Going All-In on Jaxson Dart With Free Agency Splash

New York Giants reportedly eyeing Tampa Bay Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans in free agency to bolster young QB Jaxson Dart.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The New York Giants, led by new head coach John Harbaugh, are reportedly interested in signing veteran wide receiver Mike Evans from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency. This move would provide a veteran target for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart, who showed promise as a rookie in 2025 before injuries derailed the Giants' season. The Giants are also focused on improving their running game, which aligns with Harbaugh's offensive philosophy from his time with the Baltimore Ravens.

Why it matters

The Giants are looking to quickly turn around their fortunes after a 4-13 season in 2025. Signing a proven star like Evans would give Dart a top-tier receiving option and help the Giants become more competitive in the NFC East. However, the move would come with a hefty price tag, so the Giants will have to weigh the potential benefits against the cost.

The details

According to reports, the Giants are one of five teams that could potentially land Evans if he doesn't reach an extension with the Buccaneers. Evans, a six-time Pro Bowler, is seeking a team with a quarterback he believes in, a chance at a Super Bowl, a top-shelf offensive coordinator, and the promise of high-volume touches. The Giants believe Dart is their quarterback of the future, and the hiring of Matt Nagy as offensive coordinator could appeal to Evans. However, the presence of Malik Nabers, the Giants' 2024 first-round pick who is returning from an ACL injury, could impact Evans' target share.

  • In Week 6 of the 2025 season, the Giants upset the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles 34-17 behind Dart and rookie running back Cam Skattebo.
  • Skattebo suffered a season-ending dislocated ankle on Oct. 26, 2025.
  • Dart struggled to stay healthy for the rest of the 2025 season.
  • The Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll on Nov. 10, 2025.
  • The Giants hired John Harbaugh as their new head coach in January 2026.

The players

Jaxson Dart

The Giants' 2025 rookie first-round quarterback who showed promise early in the season before injuries derailed his campaign.

Cam Skattebo

The Giants' 2025 rookie fourth-round running back who suffered a season-ending dislocated ankle in October 2025.

Malik Nabers

The Giants' 2024 first-round wide receiver who missed 13 games in 2025 due to an ACL injury.

Mike Evans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' star wide receiver who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

John Harbaugh

The Giants' new head coach, hired in January 2026, who is known for his emphasis on the running game from his time with the Baltimore Ravens.

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What they’re saying

“If John Harbaugh wants to make a splash move in his first year on the job, then bringing in Evans could certainly make some sense. Wan'Dale Robinson led the team in receiving yards last season, but he's set to hit free agency. The Giants get Malik Nabers back on the field after he missed 13 games due to an ACL injury, but the team needs someone to complement him.”

— Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports (CBS Sports)

“Evans 'will limit his choices to a handful of teams in part because of his criteria. He wants a quarterback he believes in, a chance at a Super Bowl, a top-shelf offensive coordinator, and the promise of high-volume touches.'”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN (ESPN)

What’s next

The Giants will need to determine if they can meet Evans' criteria and offer him a competitive contract in free agency. The team's ability to sign Evans could hinge on how much he believes in Dart and the Giants' chances of contending in 2026.

The takeaway

The Giants' pursuit of Mike Evans signals their intent to go all-in on building around young quarterback Jaxson Dart and quickly turning the team into a contender. However, the high cost of signing Evans could limit their ability to address other roster needs, so the Giants will have to carefully weigh the potential benefits against the financial commitment.