March 11, 2026, 6:32 a.m. ET
The New York Giants were active throughout the first two days of the NFL’s “legal tampering period,” agreeing to deals with players like Isaiah Likely, Tremaine Edmunds, Jordan Stout, and Ar’Darius Washington while also addressing the secondary with Greg Newsome II.
But even with several needs already checked off, more work remains.
As the league year officially begins Wednesday afternoon, here are seven players the Giants should consider targeting on Day 3 of free agency.
The Giants remain in need of cornerback reinforcements even after agreeing to terms with Greg Newsome II on Tuesday. Chidobe Awuzie is another ex-Raven who is familiar with Harbaugh, but could join the Giants on a modest, team-friendly deal at this stage of free agency. He was among the league’s highest-graded cornerbacks in 2025 (75.4, 13th overall), surrendering just 29 receptions on 54 targets (53.7%). He also has significant NFC East experience.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.OG Wyatt Teller
The Giants need at least one guard (potentially two) and missed out on Alijah Vera-Tucker, who is heading to New England despite very nearly agreeing to terms with the Giants. Luckily for Big Blue, Wyatt Teller, whom they’ve been rumored to have interest in, somehow remains available and would immediately upgrade their offensive line.
WR Jauan Jennings
The Giants need all the playmaking talent they can acquire to put quarterback Jaxson Dart in the best possible situation. Jauan Jennings is a big, physical outside receiver and is capable of winning 50-50 balls in the endzone. Perhaps more to Harbaugh’s liking? He’s a talented and willing blocker in the run game. Win-win.
RB Keaton Mitchell
The Giants and John Harbaugh are loading up on ex-Ravens, so why not Keaton Mitchell? Baltimore has opted not to tender him, making Mitchell an unrestricted free agent. With New York reportedly scouring the running back market, Mitchell seems like an obvious option who is familiar with the head coach and could slide into a rotation. He would bring a ton of big-play potential.
OG Kevin Zeitler
Ahh, ole friend Kevin Zeitler. Why not angle for a reunion? Yes, he might be 36 years old, but Zeitler continues to perform at a high level no matter where he goes. If Wyatt Teller proves too rich for the Giants’ blood, and they don’t want to run it back with Greg Van Roten, Zeitler could prove to be a cost-effective option as a bridge guard. He is a consummate professional, well-respected in the locker room, and a quality player on the field.
DT D.J. Reader
The Giants were said to be in the market for a top-tier run-stuffing defensive tackle, but A-listers are already off the board. At the age of 32, D.J. Reader is obviously in the twilight of his career, but he’s still a consistent and reliable run-stuffer who could not only pair with nose tackle Dexter Lawrence on early downs but could also spell him later in the game as needed.
S Nick Cross
Nick Cross is a big, physical, run-stopping banger who makes offenses feel his presence. His potential was unlocked in Indianapolis under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, and he could fit nicely in a John Harbaugh and Dennard Wilson-led system. The Giants need an upgrade at the position (and across the secondary as a whole), and his run-stopping ability might be what sells him to Big Blue.
LS Casey Kreiter
A long-time in-house solution to the long-snapper position, Casey Kreiter should be re-signed before an additional roster hole is created. Surprisingly, a deal didn’t get done before the start of free agency, but there’s no reason to let it linger. Kreiter has been consistently good and always reliable for the Giants’ special teams unit.
Other potential optionsS Kevin ByardWR Calvin Austin IIIWR Keenan AllenWR Deebo SamuelOG Daniel FaaleleOG Joel BitonioOG Greg Van RotenDL Da’Shawn HandDL Calais Campbell
