New York Giants earn B+ offseason grade as Isaiah Likely emerges as key offensive weapon

ESPN analyst Seth Walder gave the New York Giants a B+ grade for the 2026 offseason, tying the team for the fourth‑best rating among all 32 NFL clubs. Walder highlighted the hiring of former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh as the most impactful move, praising his track record and the stability he brings.

Walder also approved the trade of All‑Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 10 draft pick, noting that the Giants now hold two top‑10 selections, which they used on prospects Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa. He criticized the three‑year, $36 million deal for linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and the team’s failure to address the wide‑receiver depth.

Tight end Isaiah Likely, also a former Ravens player, is projected to play a larger role in the Giants’ offense. Over 63 games he has caught 135 passes for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns, excelling in the red zone with a 22‑of‑37 touchdown rate. Likely’s versatility includes effective run‑blocking and slot‑receiver duties, making him a mismatched threat against defenders. His increased usage is expected to boost the Giants’ passing attack in the upcoming season.