New York Giants Offseason Progress Report

Will the gambit(s) at Quarterback give Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen a lifeline?

Giants 2nd-Year Receiver Malik Nabers

Overview

2024 Record: 3-14

General Manager: Joe Schoen

Head Coach: Brian Daboll

Starting Quarterback: Russell Wilson

Key Extensions:

WR Darius Slayton (3 years, $36 million, $22 million guaranteed)

Key Additions:

QB Russell Wilson, QB Jameis Winston, DL Roy Robertson-Harris, CB Paulson Adebo, S Jevon Holland, EDGE Abdul Carter, QB Jaxson Dart, DL Darius Alexander

Key Departures:

CB Adoree’ Jackson, LB Isaiah Simmons

Offense

Offensive Coordinator: Mike Kafka

2024 Ranks:

EPA/play: 29th Success Rate: 25th PPG: 31st (16.1ppg)

Projected Starting Offense (11 personnel):

QB Russell Wilson

RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.

WR Malik Nabers

WR Darius Slayton

WR Wan’Dale Robinson

TE Theo Johnson

LT Andrew Thomas

LG Jon Runyan

C John Michael Schmitz Jr.

RG Greg Van Roten

RT Jermaine Eluemunor

Offense Notes:

Thank goodness for Malik Nabers, because beyond the rookie standout, the Giants offense was tough to witness unfold in real time. To open the season, Daniel Jones was given one last opportunity to cement his reign as the starter. A loss to the (at the time) hapless Carolina Panthers in Munich would spell Jones’ end for the G-Men, and the offense would be ceded to Tommy DeVito to end the year.

In response to this (and to try and save their jobs), Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen brought in three new quarterbacks, including veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, and traded back into the first round of the draft to add rookie Jaxson Dart. The new QBs are the only major change to the offense - the offensive line and weapons remain the same as last season. Both of the veteran quarterbacks likely can perform at a higher level than Jones did last year, but they haven’t been plus starters in years. It’s hard to see a major uptick in offensive production in 2025.

Defense

Defensive Coordinator: Shane Bowen

2024 Ranks:

EPA/play: 27th Success Rate: 26th PPG: 21st (24.4ppg allowed)

Projected Starting Defense (Base 3-4):

DE Roy Robertson-Harris

NT Dexter Lawrence

DT Rakeem Nuñez-Roches

OLB Brian Burns

OLB Abdul Carter

LB Bobby Okereke

LB Micah McFadden

CB Deonte Banks

CB Paulson Adebo

S Jevon Holland

S Tyler Nubin

Defense Notes:

If the offense was close to a trainwreck, the defense was a pleasant surprise. While the unit didn’t put forth world-beating numbers, the addition of Brian Burns and the continued ascension of Dexter Lawrence helped power this unit to being one of the best against the pass. On the other hand, the defense struggled mightily against the run for most of the season, allowing teams to rack up the points and control the clock.

The defensive additions are much more noticeable than the ones on offense. The Giants spent the Number 3 Overall Pick on standout edge rusher Abdul Carter, who should be able to help against the run and the pass. Big money was also spent on two DBs in Adebo and Holland, who should help patch up a leaky back end. If all of the additions can coalesce quickly, this unit could be one of the best in the league in 2025.

Outlook

Overall, the Giants should be better next season - both to watch and when it comes to performing in games. On offense, they’re banking on more stable quarterback play early, and on defense, the additions to bring immediate help. With both sides of the ball improved, how good can this group be?

Even with holistic improvements, this team still lacks the roster power that other teams in the division possess. The offensive line that struggled all of last season will look to protect the new quarterbacks. The fact that not one, but three veterans were added to the rooms seems to indicate desperation - this will likely be Brian Daboll’s last chance. If things go south early, will this team switch to Dart, and shift from competing to developing?

That feels like the likeliest outcome for the Giants this season. Unless Russell Wilson dusts off his 2016 form, Dart will likely be starting games late into the season. If this is the case, the goal for the team should be helping Dart develop, rather than trying to win games with the other veteran quarterback brought in.

Expectation/Goal for 2025: Help Dart acclimate to the NFL

2025 Schedule

\(\begin{array}{c c} \textbf{GameWeek} & \textbf{Opponent} \\ \hline \text{Week 1} & \text{@ Washington, 1pm} \\ \text{Week 2} & \text{@ Dallas, 1pm} \\ \textbf{Week 3} & \textbf{vs. Kansas City, SNF, 8:20pm} \\ \text{Week 4} & \text{vs. LA Chargers, 1pm} \\ \text{Week 5} & \text{@ New Orleans, 1pm} \\ \textbf{Week 6} & \textbf{vs. Philadelphia, TNF, 8:15pm} \\ \text{Week 7} & \text{@ Denver, 4:05pm} \\ \text{Week 8} & \text{@ Philadelphia, 1pm} \\ \text{Week 9} & \text{vs. San Francisco, 1pm} \\ \text{Week 10} & \text{@ Chicago, 1pm} \\ \text{Week 11} & \text{vs. Green Bay, 1pm} \\ \text{Week 12} & \text{@ Detroit, 1pm} \\ \textbf{Week 13} & \textbf{@ New England, MNF, 8:15pm} \\ \text{Week 14} & \text{-- BYE WEEK --} \\ \text{Week 15} & \text{vs. Washington, 1pm} \\ \text{Week 16} & \text{vs. Minnesota, 1pm} \\ \text{Week 17} & \text{@ Las Vegas, 1pm} \\ \text{Week 18} & \text{vs. Dallas, 1pm} \\ \end{array} \)

Primetime games are BOLDED, all times EDT/EST