The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview.
With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the New York Giants and preview how it might perform this season.
New York Giants 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown
New York was decimated by opposing running backs in 2025. They allowed 5.5 yards per carry on running back runs, a full 0.3 more yards per carry than the Bengals in 31st place, and 1.85 yards before contact per RB carry. Then they traded Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals and lost Roy Robertson-Harris to an Achilles tear in offseason workouts. They did add D.J. Reader, Leki Fotu, and Shelby Harris after the draft. They should also hope for more from 2025 third-round pick Darius Alexander, but he struggled to force his way onto the field as a rookie.
The Giants finished 21st in pressure rate (34.9%) and 15th in sacks (39) last season. That is a disappointing result considering the talent they have and the investments they have made along the edge. Brian Burns did his part in the sack department, ranking second in the league behind just Myles Garrett with 16.5 quarterback takedowns. A first-round pick last year, Abdul Carter did not have the same sack production as Burns (4), but he had a better pressure rate. Kayvon Thibodeaux had yet another injury-shortened season, playing just 10 games and finishing with 2.5 sacks.
New York moved on from Bobby Okereke after three seasons, replacing him with Tremaine Edmunds in free agency. Edmunds is a veteran coming off a solid three-year run with the Bears, allowing 6.6 yards per target and a 78.9 quarterback rating during his time with Chicago. New York also brought back Micah McFadden on a one-year deal, and they are expected to make linebacker No. 5 overall pick Arvell Reese’s primary position, likely positioning him to start next to Edmunds.
The Giants allowed 7.1 yards per pass attempt (18th) and finished 17th in EPA allowed per pass attempt in 2025. Paulson Adebo did not have a great first season with the team, finishing 93rd among qualified corners in yards allowed per coverage snap. Greg Newsome was signed in free agency to take one of the starting spots behind Adebo. Andru Phillips has operated as the primary slot corner since being selected in the third round of the 2024 draft and should keep that role this year. The Giants could really use a step forward from 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks, but there has been no indication that jump is coming through three seasons. They also added Colton Hood in the second round.
The Giants probably did not get the level of play they expected out of Jevon Holland and Tyler Nubin last season, but this still looks like a strong safety room. New York also added to this group in free agency, signing Jason Pinnock, Ar’Darius Washington, and Elijah Campbell.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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Warren Sharp’s 600+ page full-color PDF, the 2026 Football Preview, is unlike anything you have read. Stunning visualizations, including new heat maps and stat pages, are built with the reader in mind. Innovative, next-level thought processes abound in every team chapter and article.
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- Team Chapters previews are in-depth, data-driven & full of actionable info
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