Feb. 26, 2026, 5:01 p.m. ET
We’re continuing our series looking back at the New York Giants‘ free-agent history. Last week, we covered the worst signings the team made during the 2000s.
This week, we shift to the 2010s—a decade when the Giants landed several high-impact free agents. These additions played key roles in the team’s 2011 Super Bowl victory (Super Bowl XLVI) and their playoff run in 2016.
Here are the best New York Giants free-agent signings of the 2010s.
Stevie Brown signed a one-year deal with the Giants in 2012. In response, he finished with eight interceptions, second most in the league, along with 11 pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Browns eight interceptions were the most by a Giant in a single season since Willie Williams (10 interceptions) and Spider Lockhart (8 interceptions) in 1968.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (2014)
The Giants signed Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to a five-year deal in 2014, and he quickly became a stabilizing presence in the secondary. DRC played both outside and in the slot during his time in New York and was a key veteran contributor on the team’s 2016 playoff defense. His versatility allowed the Giants to move pieces around in the secondary as the defense improved under Steve Spagnuolo that season.
WR/Returner Dwayne Harris (2015)
Signed away from the Cowboys in 2015, Dwayne Harris provided immediate value as both a depth receiver and one of the league’s more reliable return specialists. In his first season, he made that clear, with a pair of touchdown returns, including one against the Cowboys in Week 7, which he ran back 100 yards to help the Giants win 27-20. Harris also earned Pro Bowl honors in 2016.
DT Damon Harrison (2016)
New York went on a spending spree in 2016 to fix what was the worst defense in 2015. Damon “Snacks” Harrison, the biggest of the additions, was one of the most impactful defensive signings of the decade for the Giants. After joining the team in 2016, Harrison helped transform New York’s run defense into one of the league’s best almost overnight. His presence in the middle anchored a defensive unit that would go on to rank near the top of the NFL in points allowed that season.
CB Janoris Jenkins (2016)
Another major addition in 2016, Janoris Jenkins immediately stepped in as the Giants’ top cornerback. He earned Pro Bowl honors in his first year with the team and played a key role in helping New York return to the playoffs. Jenkins gave the Giants a true CB1 capable of matching up with opposing teams’ top receivers. Jenkins most notable performance as a Giant occurred during Week 14 of the 2016 season, in which he locked down Cowboys Pro Bowl wide receiver Dez Bryant to help lead the Giants to a 10-7 win and a sweep of their NFC East rivals.
DE Olivier Vernon (2016)
One of the other three major signings in 2016, Olivier Vernon recorded 131 tackles, 22.0 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles across three seasons with the Giants, and was named a Second-Team All-Pro in 2016. He provided a much-needed boost to the team’s pass rush and helped elevate the overall performance of the defensive front.
LB Markus Golden (2019)
Drafted by the Cardinals in 2015, Markus Golden had a breakout season in 2016 with 12.5 sacks before tearing his ACL in 2017. After not being retained by Arizona following the 2018 season, Golden signed a one-year deal with the Giants in 2019 and recorded 10.0 sacks, 72 tackles, and 13 tackles for loss. The Giants brought him back in 2020 before trading him midway through the season back to Arizona.
WR Victor Cruz (2010)
No, he wasn’t an actual March free agent signing, but he was an undrafted free agent signing, so let’s say this counts. After going undrafted in 2010, Victor Cruz signed with the Giants and quickly developed into one of Eli Manning’s most trusted targets. Cruz emerged as a key contributor during the team’s Super Bowl XLVI run and later posted a breakout 1,500-yard season in 2011. His production and playmaking ability made him one of the most successful undrafted free agent signings in franchise history.
S Antrel Rolle (2010)
Antrel Rolle signed with the Giants in 2010 and immediately became a leader in the secondary. He earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in his first season with the team and played a vital role in the Giants’ Super Bowl XLVI championship run. Rolle’s consistency and leadership helped anchor the defensive backfield during one of the most successful stretches of the decade.
