
The New York Giants have quietly crafted one of the most efficient offseasons in the league, securing key players while maintaining financial flexibility. Unlike many teams that manage their salary cap by restructuring future contracts, the Giants have yet to make any major moves in that direction. This strategy has left them with a solid $17.2 million in cap space, a good cushion, though not enough to pursue one last big-name addition… unless they decide to make a move.
Clearing Space for Rodgers (or Wilson) If Aaron Rodgers remains a viable target, the Giants will need to make significant room in their cap. Signing the four-time MVP would likely cost between $30–35 million annually, even with a creative contract structure. While Russell Wilson would be a more affordable option, he would still require a considerable amount of guaranteed money, which would trigger adjustments in their financial plans.
The Giants can free up roughly $22 million by restructuring contracts for key players like Dexter Lawrence and Andrew Thomas—both long-term fixtures on the team. This would bring their cap space to just under $40 million, enough to sign a top-tier quarterback and still maintain room for the rookie class and potential in-season moves. Worst case, they could create a void year in 2026 or backload the deal, providing more flexibility down the road.
General manager Joe Schoen hasn’t rushed into any moves but has set up the financial flexibility to strike if the right opportunity arises.
Draft Strategy Still a Possibility There’s still a strong possibility that Rodgers lands elsewhere. If that happens, the Giants could stick with their current roster, heading into the draft with Jameis Winston and a “best player available” approach. Winston’s contract guarantees just $4 million, with another $4 million in achievable incentives, meaning it’s more of a bridge deal than a long-term solution.
If the Giants pivot to selecting a quarterback—whether it’s Shedeur Sanders at No. 3 or a trade-up for someone like Jaxson Dart—having extra cap space would provide the flexibility to surround a rookie with a strong supporting cast.
Long-Term Financial Health Looking ahead, the Giants are set up for great financial stability. With $63 million projected in cap space for 2026, even after factoring in this year’s draft class, they are in a strong position. While that number may shrink a bit after rookie contracts and potential extensions for players like Xavier McKinney, the Giants’ financial health remains solid.
It’s rare for a team to load up in free agency while keeping their financial books so clean. Whether they go all-in for one last big splash or hold off until next year, the Giants are well-positioned to make the moves that best suit their future.
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