The New York Giants just wrapped up a 4-13 season that, honestly, felt like a fever dream for most of the fall. But if you're looking at ny giants highlights today, you aren't seeing a team that's wallowing in the basement. You’re seeing the birth of something that actually looks—dare I say—competent?
Winning the final two games of the season, including a 34-17 thumping of the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18, might have "ruined" the Giants' chances at the first overall pick, but it did something much more important. It proved that Jaxson Dart is the guy.
He’s a magnet.
The Jaxson Dart Factor: More Than Just a Rookie arm
Watching the tape from the season finale, you see why everyone is buzzing. Dart isn't just throwing "NFL open" balls; he’s creating windows. The highlight of the day—and arguably the season—was that shovel pass touchdown to Daniel Bellinger. It’s the kind of play that requires a specific brand of "don’t care" confidence that Giants fans haven't seen in a long time.
Dart finished the year strong, even without his WR1 Malik Nabers, who has been sidelined with a knee injury. He ended up nominated for Pepsi Rookie of the Year, and honestly, he’s the main reason Joe Schoen is still employed. Schoen confirmed recently that he’s staying on as GM, and he’s using Dart as the primary bait to lure in a big-name head coach.
Coaching Search: The Harbaugh Rumors and Kafka’s Interview
The Giants are in the thick of a massive transition. Brian Daboll is out. Shane Bowen is out. Right now, Mike Kafka is the interim, and he actually just finished his in-person interview for the permanent gig.
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But the name everyone is whispering about at the local diner? John Harbaugh.
Reports surfaced that Chris Mara met with Harbaugh recently. It’s a long shot, but after the Ravens' recent shakeups, the idea of a Super Bowl-winning coach coming to East Rutherford to mold a talent like Jaxson Dart isn't as crazy as it sounded two months ago. Kevin Stefanski is another name floating around if Cleveland decides to move on.
Basically, the Giants are looking for a "grown-up" in the room. Schoen talked about leadership and "football acumen" in his latest presser. He knows he can’t miss on this hire.
Why the Defense is Suddenly Scary
If you haven't checked out the ny giants highlights today for the defensive side of the ball, you're missing out on the Abdul Carter show. The rookie pass rusher, paired with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, turned into a nightmare late in the year.
Bobby Okereke is still the heartbeat of that unit. He was just named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after a stellar performance against Dallas where he seemed to be in three places at once.
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- Brian Burns: Named to the 2025 NFL All-Pro Team.
- Abdul Carter: Looking like a perennial double-digit sack guy.
- Dexter Lawrence: Still the best nose tackle in football, period.
The defense ended the season ranked significantly higher than the offense, and they’re the reason the Giants won those last two games. They aren't just "bending but not breaking" anymore. They’re breaking people.
Roster Moves: Who is Staying?
Schoen has already started the "churn." The team signed seven players to reserve/future contracts last week, including LB Swayze Bozeman and TE Tanner Conner. These aren't household names, but they’re the depth pieces that winning teams are built on.
The real question is free agency. Wan’Dale Robinson is entering the market for the first time, and he’s been vocal about his future. Then there’s Cam Skattebo. The rookie running back became a cult hero before a gruesome ankle injury ended his season. He’s already back in the facility rehabbing, telling anyone who will listen that he’s going to be a "legend" in Big Blue.
Looking Toward the 2026 Draft
Because they won those late games, the Giants currently hold the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Some fans are annoyed they missed out on the top spot, but look at the board. They don't need a QB. They need a lockdown corner or a blue-chip offensive lineman.
The 2026 opponents are already set. The Giants will face the NFC West and AFC South. That means dates with the 49ers, Rams, and a spicy matchup against the Colts—which could feature former Giant Daniel Jones.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Giants
People see the 4-13 record and think "same old Giants." They're wrong.
The 2024 season was about clearing the deck. The 2025 season was about finding the cornerstone (Dart). The 2026 season is about building the house. The highlights from the end of the year show a team that finally has an identity. They play hard for Kafka, they have a franchise QB, and they have a pass rush that can take over games.
Next Steps for the Offseason:
Keep an eye on the head coaching interviews over the next 48 hours. The Giants typically move fast once they identify their target. Also, watch the rehab updates on Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo; having those two healthy for OTAs is the difference between a slow start and a playoff run in 2026.
The ny giants highlights today aren't just clips of a lost season—they're the blueprint for what's coming next.