Although the New York Giants haven’t made any huge splashes during the first week of NFL free agency, they’ve executed several smart, subtle moves that have improved their roster — especially on the defensive side of the ball.
As of this publishing on Thursday night, general manager Joe Schoen has yet to sign a veteran quarterback, but that could happen at any moment. The 45-year-old executive still has substantial work ahead to make the team competitive next season, but he’s already addressed several needs that should make the Giants better in 2025.
Here’s a look at the top five signings the Giants have made so far this offseason:
1. Jevon Holland, Safety
The Giants landed one of the best safeties on the free agent market when they signed 25-year-old Jevon Holland to a three-year, $45.3 million contract.
In his four seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Holland registered 301 tackles, five sacks, five interceptions, and five forced fumbles. Not only did the Giants acquire a playmaker for the back end of their defense, but Holland can also provide veteran leadership to their young secondary.
Holland playing alongside second-year safety Tyler Nubin could give the Giants one of the best safety tandems in the league.
2. Paulson Adebo, Cornerback
Adding a corner was one of Schoen’s top priorities this offseason, and he accomplished this by signing Paulson Adebo to a three-year, $54 million contract. Adebo’s 2023 season was cut short after seven games due to a broken femur, but his three interceptions were tied for the most on the Saints.
During his three years in New Orleans, the 25-year-old corner recorded 254 tackles, 43 passes defended, and 10 interceptions. There are concerns about his recovery from injury, but Adebo expressed confidence in his progress.
“I’m doing really good, been running, sprinting, changing directions, doing everything and really practicing to be able to be ready when the activities start,” Adebo said on Thursday.
If he’s fully recovered, the hope is that he can be a true No. 1 corner who can shut down his side of the field.
3. Darius Slayton, Wide receiver
Sometimes the best moves teams make in free agency involve re-signing their own free agents. That’s the case with Darius Slayton, as the team gave him a three-year, $36 million contract.
In four of his five seasons with the team, the 27-year-old wideout has recorded over 700 receiving yards. This is respectable production considering the Giants’ quarterback situation has been subpar throughout his tenure. Slayton is also widely respected in the locker room — an attribute that cannot be overlooked.
Whether it’s a veteran starting behind center or a rookie, the signal-caller should improve this year, positioning Slayton for potentially his most effective season yet.
4. Chauncey Golston, Defensive end
Chauncey Golston appeared in all 17 games (13 starts) for the Dallas Cowboys last season, recording a career-high 5.5 sacks. His career-best performance and positional versatility earned him a three-year, $19.5 million contract with the Giants.
For his career, the 6-foot-5, 268-pound defensive lineman has 135 tackles and nine sacks, and he recorded the first interception of his career last season. If Golston is just entering his prime, this could turn out to be one of the better under-the-radar signings in the league this season.
5. Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Kick returner/wide receiver
The Giants brought back their kick returner Ihmir Smith-Marsette on a one-year deal this week after he delivered a standout season in 2024.
He played in 15 games last season, averaging 34.6 yards per kickoff return and scoring on a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown in the Giants’ 45-33 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. If New York is going to pull off some upsets in the upcoming season, they’ll need explosive plays on special teams — and Smith-Marsette has proven he can provide exactly that.