In a recent episode of the Bleed Big Blue Podcast, I broke down why my opinion has changed. While I still believe Schoen’s first few seasons were far from perfect, the way he and Harbaugh appeared to work together throughout the draft has given me a different perspective on the direction of this franchise.

John Harbaugh’s Arrival Changed My Perspective

The biggest reason I’m more comfortable with Joe Schoen staying is John Harbaugh. If Harbaugh signed off on extending Schoen, that’s good enough for me. Ownership clearly trusts their general manager, but just as importantly, their new head coach does too.

Watching the 2026 NFL Draft, it felt like Harbaugh and Schoen were working together instead of competing for control. Harbaugh may have identified players he wanted, but Schoen looked comfortable navigating the draft board. He seemed to know exactly when he could be patient and when he needed to be aggressive. Trading up for Malachi Fields was a perfect example. To me, that’s where a general manager earns his paycheck.

Joe Schoen Still Has to Own His Early Draft Misses

None of this erases what happened during Schoen’s first few seasons. His first draft class included Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal, two top-10 picks who simply haven’t lived up to expectations. When you’re drafting that high, those are players who have to become cornerstones of your franchise.

At the same time, it’s worth remembering that very few people questioned those selections when they were made. If the Giants hadn’t drafted either player, another team likely would have taken them just a few picks later. That’s the reality of the NFL Draft. Sometimes the consensus gets it wrong, and sometimes talented players never develop the way everyone expected.

Great General Managers Earn Their Money on Day 2 and Day 3

One point we talked about on the podcast is something I’ve always believed. The players at the top of the draft are usually obvious. Most fans can identify the best prospects because we’ve spent months watching highlights, reading mock drafts, and hearing analysts talk about them.

Where general managers really separate themselves is in the middle and later rounds. That’s where you find future starters, quality depth, and the occasional hidden gem that every other team overlooked. Those are the picks that quietly build winning football teams, and that’s an area where I’ll continue to judge Joe Schoen over the next few years.

Was It Really the Players, or Was It the Coaching?

Another thing I’ve started wondering is how much of the Giants’ struggles came down to coaching rather than talent. Harbaugh chose to keep several players that many fans, myself included, had started to lose faith in. That tells me he still sees something worth developing.

Take Evan Neal as an example. I’ve always wondered what his market would have looked like if he had actually reached free agency. I don’t think teams would have been throwing huge contracts at him, but I guarantee there would have been coaches around the league saying, “Give me that player. I can fix him.”

Every sport has coaches who believe they can unlock a player’s potential. Maybe Harbaugh and his staff can finally get more out of some of these former first-round picks.

Looking Back at the Saquon Barkley Decision

Another move that’s still debated is letting Saquon Barkley leave in free agency. I’ll admit it hurt watching him sign with Philadelphia, and it hurt even more seeing him win a Super Bowl with a division rival. No Giants fan enjoyed watching that.

Even so, I still think it was the right football decision. Barkley was an incredible talent, but he also battled injuries throughout much of his Giants career. More importantly, the Giants simply weren’t built to maximize what he did best.

The offensive line wasn’t good enough, the passing game wasn’t good enough, and defenses consistently stacked the box because they weren’t worried about getting beat through the air. The Giants weren’t winning consistently with Barkley on the roster, so paying top dollar for a running back wasn’t going to fix the bigger issues facing the team.

Joe Schoen Has Earned Another Opportunity, Now He Has to Deliver

Joe Schoen’s tenure as general manager hasn’t been perfect. There have been draft misses, difficult roster decisions, and plenty of criticism. At one point, I thought the Giants needed a complete reset, and that included moving on from both Schoen and Brian Daboll.

Today, I don’t feel that way. Ownership believes in Joe Schoen, and John Harbaugh clearly does too. After watching how this offseason unfolded and seeing the approach they took during the 2026 NFL Draft, I’m beginning to understand why the Giants chose to stick with him.

Now comes the part that matters most. The contract extension is signed, the draft is complete, and the excuses are over. It’s time for Joe Schoen to prove the New York Giants made the right decision.

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The post Why the New York Giants Are Sticking With Joe Schoen first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

The New York Giants open the 2026 season against the Dallas Cowboys, and naturally everyone wants to see Malik Nabers on the field.

But if he’s not 100 percent healthy, I think the Giants need to be patient.

I’m not saying Nabers won’t be ready. He very well could be. But if he’s only 80 or 90 percent, I don’t think it’s worth taking the risk. It’s Week 1 of a long season, not the playoffs. As exciting as opening against a division rival is, the Giants have to think bigger than one game.

Sometimes the Best Move Is Waiting

Dallas is always an important matchup, but the Giants play them twice every year. They know each other well, and they’ll have another opportunity later in the season.

If holding Nabers out for one more week means he’s fully healthy for the next four months, that’s an easy decision for me.

We’ve seen too many examples across sports where teams rush star players back only to watch them suffer another injury. During our discussion, we talked about similar situations in other sports where organizations prioritized the short term instead of the long-term health of their star players.

The Giants simply can’t afford to make that mistake with their franchise wide receiver.

This Season Is Bigger Than Week 1

One reason I’d be cautious is because I actually believe this Giants team has a chance to surprise people.

I’ve said before that I think this team can win somewhere between eight and ten games if things break their way. If that’s the expectation, then protecting one of your most important players becomes even more important.

There’s no sense jeopardizing the next 16 games just to force him onto the field for the first one.

If he’s healthy, great. Play him.

If not, let him heal.

Odell Beckham Jr. Gives the Giants Another Option

Since we recorded the podcast, the Giants officially signed Odell Beckham Jr., and I think there’s a very good chance he makes the final 53-man roster.

No, this isn’t the same Odell who took the league by storm as a rookie, and nobody should expect that version to return. But he doesn’t have to be that player to help this team.

If Malik Nabers isn’t ready for Week 1, having a veteran like Odell gives the Giants another capable receiver who understands the spotlight and can still contribute. That’s exactly why bringing him back made sense to me. He can help bridge the gap while Nabers gets back to full strength instead of forcing your young star onto the field before he’s ready.

And honestly, I’d love nothing more than to see Odell come back in a Giants uniform and torch the Cowboys in Week 1. That would be a pretty special way to begin the season. But even if that doesn’t happen, simply having another experienced playmaker available gives the Giants some flexibility and allows them to be patient with Malik Nabers’ recovery.

Final Thoughts

Every Giants fan wants to beat Dallas to open the season. There’s no question about that.

But this season is about much more than one game.

If Malik Nabers is completely healthy, put him on the field and let him go to work.

If he isn’t, the smart move is to wait.

The Giants believe they’ve built a team that can compete this season. Protecting one of the biggest pieces of that future is the right decision, even if it means waiting one more week.

At the end of the day, I’d rather have Malik Nabers available for 16 or 17 games than rush him back for one and risk losing him again. That’s the bigger picture the Giants need to keep in mind.

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The New York Giants have one of the biggest question marks on the roster at wide receiver. There’s some intriguing talent in the room, but outside of a few veterans, it’s largely an unproven group.

That makes training camp one of the most interesting position battles to watch this summer. During a recent episode of the Bleed Big Blue Podcast, we broke down who we think makes the final 53-man roster. Since recording, a few things have changed, including the return of Odell Beckham Jr., which definitely changes the outlook.

Odell Beckham Jr. Changes My Prediction

When we recorded the podcast, Odell Beckham Jr. hadn’t signed with the Giants. Now that he’s back in blue, I think he earns one of the six wide receiver spots.

The Giants didn’t bring Beckham back just for the headlines. If he’s healthy, I expect him to make the final 53-man roster and give this young group another veteran presence.

His signing makes the competition even tougher for everyone else!

Is Malik Nabers Ready for Week 1?

One storyline I’ll continue to watch is Malik Nabers’ recovery.

Personally, I don’t think he’ll be ready for Week 1. That’s just my opinion based on where things stand today.

The good news is the Giants don’t have to rush him back. This coaching staff can afford to be patient and make sure he’s fully healthy before putting him back on the field.

What Happens to Jalin Hyatt?

Jalin Hyatt enters one of the biggest training camps of his career.

I said on the podcast that unless he has an outstanding preseason, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Giants look to move him before roster cutdowns.

The talent has always been there, but we’re entering Year 4 and he still hasn’t carved out a consistent role. At some point, potential has to turn into production.

Braxton Berrios Benefits From Gunner Olszewski’s Injury

Another thing that’s changed since we recorded the show is Gunner Olszewski’s season-ending injury.

Before the injury, Gunner’s biggest value came on special teams as a return specialist. With him now out for the season, I think Braxton Berrios slides right into that role while also giving the Giants depth at wide receiver.

Special teams often determine the final roster spots, and Berrios checks that box.

Final Thoughts on the Giants’ Wide Receiver Room

John Harbaugh has made it clear that roster spots are going to be earned, not handed out.

I don’t think this is a deep wide receiver room. I think it’s an unproven one.

There’s talent here, but there are still plenty of questions. Can Malik Nabers get back to full strength? Can Malachi Fields contribute right away? Does Odell Beckham Jr. still have something left? Can Darnell Mooney bounce back? Those are all legitimate questions that won’t be answered until training camp and the preseason.

The good news is the Giants have competition at the position, and that’s something they haven’t always had. By the end of camp, we’ll know if this group exceeded expectations or if wide receiver is still a position that needs to be addressed moving forward.

My Prediction

Final 53

• Malik Nabers
• Odell Beckham Jr.
• Darius Slayton
• Darnell Mooney
• Malachi Fields
• Braxton Berrios

Practice Squad

• Isaiah Hodgins

What do you think?

Who makes your final six wide receivers? Would you keep Jalin Hyatt, or do you think the Giants could move on before Week 1?

Leave your prediction in the comments below and let me know who you think surprises everyone during training camp.

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The post Predicting the New York Giants Wide Receiver Room first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

The New York Giants 2026 schedule has sparked plenty of debate, and one prediction keeps coming up among fans: Could the Giants realistically head into their bye week with a 5-2 record?

At first glance, it might sound optimistic. But after taking a closer look at the schedule, there are several games that are far more winnable than many national analysts seem to believe.

Breaking Down the Giants’ Early Schedule

The season opens at home against the Dallas Cowboys. Rivalry games are always difficult to predict, but playing in front of the home crowd gives New York a legitimate chance to start the year with a statement win.

Week 2 presents one of the toughest challenges of the early season, as the Giants travel to Los Angeles. On paper, it’s one of the more difficult games before the bye and could be the biggest obstacle to a fast start.

After that, however, the schedule begins to open up.

Tennessee Is a Game the Giants Should Win

The Week 3 matchup against Tennessee is one the Giants should expect to win if they’re serious about competing for the NFC East.

Good teams take care of business against opponents they’re expected to beat, and this is exactly the type of game that could set the tone for the rest of the season.

Arizona Remains a Question Mark

The Arizona Cardinals are still searching for answers at quarterback, making this another favorable matchup for New York.

Until Arizona proves it can consistently compete offensively, it’s reasonable to view this as another opportunity for the Giants to build momentum.

Washington Still Has Questions to Answer

Many people are high on Washington after last season, but we’re not completely sold.

Jayden Daniels is undoubtedly a talented quarterback, but durability remains a concern, and we’re not convinced Washington deserves all of the offseason hype just yet.

Divisional games are always difficult, but this is far from an automatic loss.

New Orleans and Houston Are Winnable Games

Following Washington, the Giants face New Orleans before taking on the Houston Texans.

New Orleans is another matchup where New York should feel confident heading into kickoff.

Houston is a more interesting discussion. Their defense has the talent to cause problems, but offensively they still have questions to answer after an inconsistent season.

Many analysts have already penciled this in as a loss for the Giants, but we’re not ready to go that far. It’s a difficult game, but it’s certainly one New York can win.

Why a 5-2 Start Isn’t Crazy

When you step back and evaluate the schedule objectively, a 5-2 record before the bye isn’t nearly as unrealistic as some make it out to be.

That doesn’t mean the Giants will be favored every week, and plenty can change once the season begins. Injuries, player development, and early-season momentum will all play a role.

Still, if New York can win the games they’re supposed to win and split some of the tougher matchups, a strong start is absolutely on the table.

Final Thoughts

Nobody is handing the Giants five wins before the season starts. They’ll have to earn every one of them.

But looking strictly at the schedule, there’s a legitimate path to entering the bye week at 5-2, with some even believing 6-1 isn’t completely out of the question if everything breaks their way.

As always, the goal remains the same: compete for the NFC East, win the division, and build momentum toward a playoff run.

What do you think?

Can the New York Giants start the season 5-2, or is that expecting too much? Let us know your prediction in the comments below.

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The post Could the New York Giants Really Be 5-2 Before the Bye Week? first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

The veteran wide receiver has agreed to a one-year deal with the Giants, returning to New York for a second stint with the organization.

A reunion between Beckham and the New Giants had been anticipated throughout the offseason. The 33-year-old generated plenty of buzz after appearing at the Fanatics Football Classic in March and meeting with Giants head coach John Harbaugh during the NFL Annual League Meeting, fueling speculation about a possible return.

Beckham first worked out for the Giants on April 20 as the team evaluated him as a potential complement to Malik Nabers in the receiving corps. He returned for a second workout on Monday following the season-ending Achilles injury to Gunner Olszewski.

Last season, Beckham appeared in nine games with the Miami Dolphins, totaling 55 receiving yards. In 2023, he enjoyed a productive season with the Baltimore Ravens, recording 565 receiving yards while averaging 16.1 yards per reception.

From my perspective, this is exactly the type of move the Giants should be making. I’ve always been a big fan of Beckham and have been in favor of bringing him back. At this stage of his career, the signing carries very little risk and offers the potential for a meaningful reward if he can still contribute.

Making the final 53-man roster won’t be easy, but it would be surprising to see the Giants bring Beckham in only to move on from him a few weeks later. The timing of the signing is also notable given the current state of the wide receiver room. While Darius Slayton is expected to be ready for the start of the season, Malik Nabers is likely to miss at least a few weeks as he continues to recover.

If Beckham can show he still has something left in the tank during training camp and the preseason, he could carve out a role and provide valuable depth, experience, and playmaking ability for a receiving corps dealing with early injury concerns.

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The New York Giants may have landed one of the biggest steals of the 2026 NFL Draft when they selected Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood with the No. 37 overall pick in the second round.

Heading into draft weekend, Hood was widely projected as a first-round selection. Many mock drafts had him coming off the board somewhere between picks No. 16 and No. 29, but he unexpectedly slipped into Day 2. For the Giants, that created an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.

A First-Round Talent Falls to the Giants

While Hood’s draft stock took a slight hit because of some inconsistent tape in off coverage and route recognition, there was never much debate about his physical ability.

At 6-foot with outstanding length, Hood has everything teams look for in a modern NFL cornerback. He’s physical at the line of scrimmage, plays with confidence in press-man coverage, and isn’t afraid to come downhill and make tackles in the run game.

That’s exactly the type of mentality John Harbaugh and this new coaching staff are trying to build.

Elite Athletic Traits

Hood backed up his film with an outstanding performance during the pre-draft process.

He ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash while posting an impressive 40.5-inch vertical jump, earning an 84 Athleticism Score from Next Gen Stats. Those numbers confirm what shows up on film, he has the explosiveness and recovery speed to match up with NFL receivers.

His combination of size, speed, and physicality gives him one of the highest ceilings among cornerbacks in this draft class.

Physical Corner Who Loves to Compete

One of Hood’s biggest strengths is his ability to play press coverage.

He uses his length well to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage and has the footwork to mirror routes downfield. Wide receivers rarely get clean releases against him, making him a difficult matchup in one-on-one situations.

He’s also one of the better run-defending cornerbacks in this class. Hood isn’t afraid to stick his nose into the action and consistently works to set the edge and prevent big gains on the outside.

That toughness should make him an immediate favorite among Giants fans.

Production at Tennessee

After transferring to Tennessee, Hood quickly became one of the SEC’s top defensive backs.

He earned Second-Team All-SEC honors and was named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award after putting together an impressive season that included both an interception return touchdown and a fumble return touchdown.

According to Pro Football Focus, Hood finished his final collegiate season with an outstanding 83.3 coverage grade, ranking second among SEC cornerbacks.

Those numbers back up the talent evaluators who viewed him as one of the best defensive backs available.

My Take

I think the Giants got good value here, but I also think where Colton Hood was selected feels about right.

What Giants fans are going to love is the way he plays. Hood brings a fiery attitude, plays with confidence, celebrates big plays, and isn’t afraid to get physical. That swagger is something this defense has been missing at times.

It feels like Giants fans have been searching for a true lockdown cornerback forever. That’s a big expectation to put on any rookie, but Hood has the athletic ability and competitive mindset to give himself a chance. If this coaching staff can help polish the rough edges of his game, the Giants may have found their long-term answer at cornerback.

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The New York Giants made a statement with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting former Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.

At 6-foot-5 and 329 pounds, Mauigoa has all the physical tools to become a cornerstone of the Giants’ offensive line for years to come. More importantly, his selection continues a clear trend under head coach John Harbaugh: build a tougher, more physical football team from the trenches out.

The Giants Continue to Invest in the Offensive Line

You don’t draft an offensive lineman in the top 10 unless you believe he can make an immediate impact.

The Giants clearly viewed Mauigoa as a Day 1 starter, someone capable of protecting franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart while helping establish the physical running game Harbaugh wants to build.

Over the last few seasons, the offensive line has been one of the biggest question marks on the roster. Drafting Mauigoa shows the organization is committed to changing that.

An Elite College Resume

Mauigoa leaves Miami as one of the most decorated offensive linemen in college football.

During the 2025 season, he earned First-Team All-American honors while taking home the ACC’s prestigious Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded annually to the conference’s top offensive lineman.

His consistency was just as impressive as his accolades. Mauigoa started 42 consecutive games for the Hurricanes and surrendered only three sacks over his final two collegiate seasons.

That’s exactly the type of reliability NFL teams look for when investing a premium draft pick.

Built for the NFL

One of the first things that jumps out when watching Mauigoa is his size and power.

He possesses the thick frame, natural strength, and anchor needed to handle NFL pass rushers. Bull rushes rarely move him off his spot, and his footwork allows him to stay balanced against speed rushers as well.

He’s also an effective run blocker, using his strength to create movement at the line of scrimmage while finishing plays with a physical edge.

Those traits fit perfectly with the identity the Giants appear to be building.

My Take

I like this pick.

I’ll admit, when the Giants were on the clock I was expecting them to take Caleb Downs. Then, watching him go to the Cowboys with the very next pick was a little tough to stomach.

That said, the more I think about it, the more I believe Francis Mauigoa may end up being the better selection.

John Harbaugh has made it clear he wants to build this team from the line of scrimmage out. You don’t become a physical football team without investing in the offensive line, and Mauigoa has all the tools to be a cornerstone player for the next decade.

If Jaxson Dart is going to become the franchise quarterback Giants fans hope he can be, protecting him has to be the priority. A dominant offensive tackle impacts every single offensive snap, and Mauigoa has the talent to be that kind of player.

It may have been difficult watching Downs land in Dallas, but a few years from now we could be looking back and saying the Giants made the right call.

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The post New York Giants Pick Sisi Mauigoa in 2026 NFL Draft first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

The New York Giants made a major investment in their defense by selecting linebacker Arvell Reese out of Ohio State with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

This wasn’t just about drafting another linebacker. It was about adding a player who fits exactly what head coach John Harbaugh wants to build on defense.

A Defensive Chess Piece

At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Reese has the size to hold his own in the middle of the defense, but what really separates him is his athleticism. He reportedly ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, giving him rare speed for a player of his size.

That combination allows the Giants to move him all over the field. He can line up as an off-ball linebacker on one play, then rush the quarterback off the edge on the next. That kind of versatility is something defensive coordinators love because it makes life much harder on opposing offenses.

Built for John Harbaugh’s Defense

One thing we’ve already seen from John Harbaugh is that he wants to build a physical, aggressive football team. Reese checks every one of those boxes.

His speed, size, and ability to close on the football should make him a dangerous weapon in blitz packages, while also giving the Giants another defender capable of making plays in space.

The Giants aren’t asking Reese to do just one job. They’re bringing him in to be a difference-maker all over the field.

A Stronger Front Seven

Reese also walks into a great situation. Instead of being asked to carry the defense by himself, he’ll join a talented front seven that already features veterans like Tremaine Edmunds, Brian Burns, and Abdul Carter.

With offenses forced to account for multiple pass rushers, Reese should have plenty of opportunities to make an impact as both a run defender and pass rusher.

Final Thoughts

I really like this pick. Reese gives the Giants another versatile athlete who fits the identity Harbaugh is trying to establish. He’s physical, explosive, and has the flexibility to line up in multiple roles.

If he develops the way many expect, Arvell Reese could become one of the key building blocks of the Giants’ defense for years to come.

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Through the highs and the lows, we bleed blue. As a new season begins, there’s no better way to show your Giants pride than with the new Jaxson Dart New York Giants Jersey.

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The post New York Giants Pick Arvell Reese in 2026 NFL Draft first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

The New York Giants have made one of the biggest moves of the offseason, trading defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

As part of the move, Lawrence reportedly signed a one-year, $28 million contract extension with Cincinnati, keeping him under contract with the Bengals through the 2028 season.

The trade gives the Giants a second first-round pick, joining their own No. 5 selection. With the addition of No. 10, general manager Joe Schoen now holds eight total draft picks heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.

Giants Once Again Hold Multiple First-Round Picks

This marks the second straight year the Giants will enter the first round with multiple selections.

Last season, the Giants selected Abdul Carter with the third overall pick before trading back into the first round to draft quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25. It also marks the third time during Joe Schoen’s tenure that New York has owned multiple first-round selections. In 2022, the Giants used picks No. 5 and No. 7 to select Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal.

Having two top-10 picks gives the Giants tremendous flexibility. Whether they stay put and draft two cornerstone players or package assets to move around the board, this trade dramatically changes the outlook for Thursday night.

Why the Giants Moved On From Dexter Lawrence

According to reports, the Giants and Lawrence reached an impasse during contract negotiations. After seven seasons with the organization, Lawrence requested a trade, and the front office ultimately decided it was time to move on.

There’s no question what Dexter Lawrence has meant to this franchise. At his best, he has been one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in football and earned three Pro Bowl selections during his time in New York.

However, he’s also coming off the least productive season of his recent career. His pass-rush win rate dropped to 8.4%, and he finished the year with just half a sack. Those numbers don’t tell the entire story of his impact, but they certainly don’t strengthen the case for another massive contract.

My Take

I’ll be honest, I’m sad to see Dexter Lawrence leave.

For years, he was one of my favorite players on this team and someone you could count on every Sunday. When he was at his peak, he completely changed games from the interior of the defensive line.

That said, this situation is difficult to ignore. Holding out for more money after your worst season in years, especially after recently signing a lucrative contract, is a tough look. I understand players wanting to maximize their value, but timing matters, and this one surprised me.

From the Giants’ perspective, turning that situation into the 10th overall pick is hard to criticize. It gives them another opportunity to add a young, impact player while continuing to build around Jaxson Dart and reshape the roster under John Harbaugh.

It’s the end of an era, but it could also be the move that helps define the Giants’ future.

Rep The Team No Matter What!

Through the highs and the lows, we bleed blue. As a new season begins, there’s no better way to show your Giants pride than with the new Jaxson Dart New York Giants Jersey.

One of the team’s top-selling jerseys, it’s the perfect way to back Big Blue and represent the future of Giants football.

The New York Giants Fanatics Shop.

Ready for Redemption? Grab Tickets Now!

The past is behind us. A new season is coming, and hope is alive. Want to be there when the Giants start writing a new chapter? Head to StubHub to grab your tickets for the home opener at MetLife Stadium

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The post New York Giants Trade Dexter Lawrence, Now Hold Two Top-10 Picks first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.

The New York Giants continued to round out John Harbaugh’s coaching staff by making another important addition, hiring Chris Horton as the team’s assistant head coach and special teams coordinator.

This is a hire that may not grab headlines like an offensive or defensive coordinator, but it could prove to be one of the most important additions Harbaugh makes. Horton arrives in New York after spending the previous 12 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, where he established himself as one of the NFL’s top special teams coaches.

Chris Horton Takes on a Dual Role

Horton won’t just oversee special teams.

The Giants have also named him assistant head coach, giving him an expanded leadership role on Harbaugh’s staff. That title reflects the trust Harbaugh has in Horton after working together for more than a decade in Baltimore.

Having an experienced coach like Horton in the building gives Harbaugh another respected voice who understands his philosophy and what it takes to build a winning culture.

A Reunion with John Harbaugh

One theme has become clear as Harbaugh builds his coaching staff: familiarity matters.

Harbaugh and Horton spent the last 12 seasons together with the Ravens, helping Baltimore consistently field one of the NFL’s best special teams units. That relationship should allow the two coaches to hit the ground running as they begin building a new culture in New York.

This hire also demonstrates just how much Harbaugh values special teams. Throughout his coaching career, he’s emphasized winning the hidden-yardage battle, and Horton has been one of the league’s best at preparing disciplined, fundamentally sound units.

How the Giants Landed Horton

Interestingly, bringing Horton to New York wasn’t as straightforward as simply offering him the job.

The Ravens initially blocked the Giants from interviewing Horton because the special teams coordinator position would have been considered a lateral move.

To work around that, the Giants expanded the position by naming Horton Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator. That promotion allowed New York to move forward with the hire and reunite Horton with Harbaugh.

It’s another example of how determined Harbaugh was to bring trusted coaches from Baltimore with him to East Rutherford.

A Proven Track Record

Horton has built an outstanding reputation around the NFL.

During his time in Baltimore, he helped develop multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro special teams players, including one of the greatest kickers in NFL history, Justin Tucker, along with standout punter Jordan Stout.

His units consistently ranked among the league’s best in coverage, discipline, and execution.

While special teams often don’t receive much attention, those hidden plays can swing games over the course of a season. That’s an area where the Giants have an opportunity to improve under Horton’s leadership.

This hire also brings Horton back to a familiar place.

Before beginning his coaching career, Horton briefly joined the Giants as a veteran safety during the 2012 offseason. Although his playing career in New York was short-lived, he’ll now return to East Rutherford in a much larger role as one of the leaders of John Harbaugh’s coaching staff.

My Take

I really like this hire.

We’ve talked a lot about John Harbaugh bringing over coaches he already knows and trusts, and Chris Horton fits that mold perfectly. If you’re trying to build a new culture, having assistants who understand your expectations makes a lot of sense.

I also think special teams are often overlooked by fans until something goes wrong. Great special teams can flip field position, create momentum, and even win games. Those hidden yards add up over the course of a season.

Final Thoughts

The Giants continue to add experienced coaches with proven track records as John Harbaugh reshapes the organization.

Chris Horton may not be the biggest name on the staff, but his experience, leadership, and special teams expertise could make him one of the most valuable additions of the offseason.

If the Giants are going to become a more disciplined and fundamentally sound football team in 2026, Horton should play a significant role in making that happen.

Rep The Team No Matter What!

Through the highs and the lows, we bleed blue. As a new season begins, there’s no better way to show your Giants pride than with the new Jaxson Dart New York Giants Jersey.

One of the team’s top-selling jerseys, it’s the perfect way to back Big Blue and represent the future of Giants football.

The New York Giants Fanatics Shop.

Ready for Redemption? Grab Tickets Now!

The past is behind us. A new season is coming, and hope is alive. Want to be there when the Giants start writing a new chapter? Head to StubHub to grab your tickets for the home opener at MetLife Stadium

More Giants Talk Every Week.

We’ll be covering more Giants drama, victories, and throwbacks every week. Don’t miss a post, subscribe below and stay in the loop all season long.

The post New York Giants Hire Chris Horton Special Teams Coordinator first appeared on Bleedbigblue.com.