Imagine a scenario where the New York Giants are experiencing a moment of bright optimism—thanks to the exciting appointment of a highly accomplished and respected coach like John Harbaugh, a seasoned Super Bowl winner, who has now become the focal point of their recent coaching overhaul. But here’s where it gets controversial: as Harbaugh transitions to the Big Apple, many anticipate that talented offensive coordinator Todd Monken might join him, further strengthening the coaching staff. Other positional coaches could also follow suit, signaling a strategic move by the Giants to revamp their roster and coaching philosophy.
Meanwhile, Baltimore’s roster faces major changes with 19 unrestricted free agents. The list, detailed by football analyst Bobby Skinner, includes players such as Tyler Linderbaum, Patrick Ricard, Kyle Van Noy, Charlie Kolar, Isaiah Likely, and a host of others across various positions—from offensive linemen to defensive standouts. This abundance of free agents sparks questions about who might leave Baltimore and where they could end up—possibly even following Harbaugh to New York.
Focusing on the potential targets for the Giants, five names stand out as particularly intriguing options for free agency, and each offers unique advantages that could bolster the team’s depth and versatility.
1. Tight End Isaiah Likely
Likely emerges as an excellent fit for the Giants’ needs. With 487 offensive snaps in 2025, largely due to Baltimore’s heavy use of 12 personnel—a formation featuring one running back and two tight ends—Likely developed into a versatile receiving threat. His targets included 27 receptions from 34 attempts, totaling 307 yards with a single touchdown. During Baltimore's explosive 2024 offense, Likely caught 49 passes for 603 yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a mismatch weapon. Standing at 6-foot-4, 241 pounds, he would pair well with Jaxson Dart, providing the Giants with a potent passing option in tight formations and blocking capacity—an area they may need reinforcements in if current tight ends like Bellinger or Manhertz depart.
Spotrac estimates his value at around $9 million annually, similar to players like Hunter Henry or Dawson Knox, making him a financially feasible, high-upside addition.
2. Tight End Charlie Kolar
Kolar offers a more budget-friendly alternative, having worked with Harbaugh and Monken before. The 26-year-old caught 10 passes for 142 yards with two touchdowns in 2025, and overall has secured 31 receptions for 413 yards and four TDs across his career. His college days at Iowa State, where he teamed with Brock Purdy, saw him become a consistent seam threat, catching 63 of 95 targets for 764 yards and six touchdowns. His shared role with Andrews and Likely limited his NFL production, but in terms of blocking and flexibility—especially in 13 personnel packages—Kolar could serve as a reliable and cost-effective option.
3. Fullback Patrick Ricard
In a surprising twist, Giants fans might fantasize about adding a true fullback like Ricard. At 31, he stands out as a 300-pound, agile blocker who played 274 snaps in 2025. His ability to line up in various personnel groups, mainly in 21 personnel—Baltimore’s preferred 2-back formation—showcases his versatility. Ricard's blocking skills and rushing schemes could add a new dimension to the Giants’ offense, especially if Harbaugh’s influence continues in New York.
4. G Daniel Faalele
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-8 and weighing around 380 pounds, Faalele’s NFL journey has had its ups and downs since his breakout at the 2022 NFL Combine. Having played over 1,000 snaps for Baltimore at right guard, he’s shown flashes of power and size, though his performance wasn’t pristine—allowing some pressures and penalties. Nonetheless, he could serve as an interior backup or fill a developmental role, especially if the team opts to move on from current players like Greg Van Roten. His size and strength make him an appealing depth piece who can also add tackle snaps in pinch.
5. Center Tyler Linderbaum
While the Giants’ current center, John Michael Schmitz, has shown promise, the potential addition of Linderbaum is a topic worth considering. Drafted in 2023, Schmitz has stabilized but remains somewhat underwhelming with some room for growth. Linderbaum is an elite run blocker, ranked among the best in that area, but struggles in pass protection—allowing 26 pressures and two sacks in 2025. His contract demands could be steep, possibly exceeding $18 million per year, similar to other top-tier centers like Creed Humphrey. While upgrading the line with him could significantly boost the run game, the steep financial investment might not always be justifiable, especially given his pass-blocking limitations.
The Big Takeaway: As the Giants look to reshape their roster around new coaching influences, they will need to weigh the risks and rewards of signing marquee free agents. Some of the Baltimore players listed above could follow Harbaugh north, but which ones truly represent good value and fit for the Giants' future? Would investing heavily in a center like Linderbaum be wise, or might there be more cost-effective options to explore? And here's where the debate heats up—do you believe the Giants should go all-in on these free agents or prioritize building through the draft and internal development? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s discuss whether these signings could be game-changers or costly mistakes.
