Giants Aim to Rebuild Tradition Amidst Challenging Landscape

The New York Giants, a franchise steeped in NFL history and boasting eight championships, are embarking on a crucial rebuilding phase after a disappointing recent stretch. Founded in 1925 by Tim Mara, the Giants have long been synonymous with toughness, resilience, and gridiron excellence. Names like Lawrence Taylor, Phil Simms, and Michael Strahan are etched in the memories of fans, representing eras of dominance and Super Bowl triumphs. However, the past few years have been a stark contrast to this storied legacy.

Longtime fans, who remember the glory days of the Giants, have watched with concern as the team has struggled to regain its footing in a competitive NFL landscape. The current reality is far removed from the championship aspirations that once defined the franchise. For newer fans, the rich history of the Giants may seem distant, overshadowed by recent struggles and a search for renewed identity.

The Giants have endured a difficult period since 2023, posting a combined record of 9-25. Last season was particularly challenging, with the team finishing with a dismal 3-14 record. This marked only the seventh time in the Super Bowl era that the Giants had won three or fewer games in a season, highlighting the depth of the recent struggles.

The quarterback position became a significant area of concern, with Daniel Jones being released after Week 10 following a 2-8 start. This decision came just a year after Jones signed a lucrative four-year, $160 million extension, a move that ultimately proved costly for the team. The departure of star running back Saquon Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles further compounded the Giants’ woes, as Barkley played a key role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run.

General manager Joe Schoen has been actively working to address the team’s deficiencies during the offseason. Recognizing the need for stability and experience at quarterback, Schoen brought in veteran signal-callers Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston to compete for the starting role. These acquisitions aim to provide a significant upgrade to the quarterback room and offer a potential spark to the offense.

In addition to the quarterback additions, Schoen focused on bolstering the defense, adding proven veterans in cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland. These additions are expected to provide immediate improvements to the secondary and enhance the team’s overall defensive capabilities.

The Giants also had an impactful draft, highlighted by the selection of edge rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall pick. Carter is expected to be an immediate contributor to the defensive line, bringing athleticism and pass-rushing prowess to the team. Furthermore, the Giants made a strategic move by trading back into the first round to select quarterback Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss. Dart represents a long-term investment at the quarterback position and provides the team with a potential successor to Wilson or Winston.

The question remains: how much will these changes influence the G-Men’s performance in the upcoming season?

According to USA TODAY Sports, the Giants are projected to finish with a 5-12 record in the 2025 season. While this represents an improvement over their previous season, it still falls short of playoff contention.

Despite the projected record, there is optimism surrounding the team’s potential for improvement. The defense has the potential to be a top-10 unit, anchored by a formidable front seven consisting of Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter. The revamped secondary, featuring Adebo and Holland, is expected to provide a significant upgrade in pass coverage.

However, the Giants face a significant challenge in the form of their division, the NFC East. The division boasts the defending Super Bowl champions in the Eagles and the NFC runners-up in the Commanders. The Giants will have to face these formidable opponents a combined four times, presenting a significant hurdle in their quest for improvement. The Cowboys, with a healthier roster, will also pose a challenge in their two divisional matchups.

Offensively, the Giants are hoping that the addition of Wilson will provide stability and leadership under center. Wilson, a 13-year veteran, started 11 games for the Steelers in 2024, completing 63.7% of his passes for 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns. While his QBR of 51.4 ranked 22nd in the league, he still possesses the ability to make impactful throws, particularly downfield.

Wilson’s deep-ball passing ability remains a key asset, as evidenced by his league-high 56% adjusted completion rate on throws of 20 or more yards in 2024. While he is not the same player who led the Seahawks to Super Bowl glory, he remains a capable quarterback who can provide a spark to the Giants’ offense. His final five losses may indicate a tapering of his skills, but his experience will be a valuable asset.

Even if Winston takes over the starting role, the Giants’ chances of winning more than a handful of games remain slim. Winston went 2-5 as a starter for the Browns last year, throwing 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His inconsistency and tendency to turn the ball over could hinder the Giants’ offensive progress.

Dart, the rookie quarterback from Ole Miss, will need time to develop before he is ready to take the reins. It is unlikely that he would be able to outduel established quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff, Jordan Love, Justin Herbert, or Bo Nix in his first year, even if he were to see playing time.

Adding to the Giants’ challenges is the fact that they possess the toughest schedule in the league, according to Sharp Football Analysis. Six of their eight home opponents were playoff teams in 2024, presenting a daunting task for the team. Matchups against the 49ers, Raiders, Patriots, and Saints could be winnable, but three of those games are on the road, further complicating the Giants’ path to success.

While the Giants may not be ready to contend for a playoff spot in 2025, they should be a more competitive team than they were last season. It would not be surprising to see them finish close to .500, as they have the potential to field one of the better defenses in the league. However, it is more likely that they will finish at the bottom of the NFC East for the third time in five seasons. The Giants’ journey back to prominence will be a gradual process, requiring patience, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to building a sustainable foundation for future success.