Jan. 7, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET
The New York Giants finished the 2025 regular season with a record of 4-13, courtesy of back-to-back wins to end the year, which represents a one-game improvement over the prior season.
Despite the sustained lack of success and another head coaching change (underway), there were a few bright spots that deserved recognition.
While the NFL announces its official awards at a later date, Giants Wire hands out the MVP, Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year awards for Big Blue in 2025.
It should come as no surprise that linebacker Brian Burns was the winner of the Giants Wire MVP Award. He was the single most dominant player on the team through 17 games, and there wasn’t even a close second. Burns entered the season determined to enter the elite stratosphere, and he did exactly that, amassing career-best numbers en route to a Pro Bowl appearance and likely All-Pro nod.
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Others receiving votes: Jaxson Dart
Offensive Player of the Year: Wan’Dale Robinson
What a season for wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson. A year removed from heavy criticism over his size and viability, Robinson eliminated any skepticism with a 92-reception, 1,014-yard campaign that also included four touchdowns and 14 plays of 20-plus yards. He’s a top-tier route runner who can play multiple roles (although he excels from the slot) and positioned himself for a big free agent contract — hopefully, with the Giants.
Others receiving votes: None
Defensive Player of the Year: Brian Burns
67 tackles (22 for a loss), three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, seven passes defensed, 31 QB hits, and 16.5 sacks. As noted above, Burns wasn’t just the best defensive player; he was the team’s best player overall. And he did all that playing through a multitude of injuries, which displayed impressive toughness and leadership. He has set the standard in East Rutherford.
Others receiving votes: None
Comeback Player of the Year: Bobby Okereke
Linebacker Bobby Okereke struggled mightily in his first season (2024) under then-defensive coordinator Shane Bowen and finished the year on injured reserve (IR) due to a herniated disc in his neck. That came on the heels of playing every single snap in 2023. This season, Okereke bounced back nicely and ended the season on a tear, with interim defensive coordinator Charlie Bullen calling the plays. He led the team with 143 tackles, adding two interceptions, 10 stuffs, and one sack for good measure.
Others receiving votes: Isaiah Hodgins
Most Improved Player: Cor’Dale Flott
There was a fair case to be made for Wan’Dale Robinson here, but cornerback Cor’Dale Flott got the nod after beating out Deonte Banks for the job and drastically improving his coverage. Despite taking a career-high number of stats, Flott allowed a career-low reception percentage of 51.6 and a career-low passer rating against of 71.0. He also recorded a career-high 11 passes defensed.
Others receiving votes: Wan’Dale Robinson, Dane Belton
Rookie of the Year: QB Jaxson Dart
Quarterback Jaxson Dart was shot out of a cannon and didn’t slow down the entire season. His aggressive style, combined with off-script success, provided Patrick Mahomes-like excitement and abundant optimism for what’s to come. Yes, there are things Dart has to clean up, like all rookies, but his football IQ is off the charts, and he appeared to be more pro-ready than many anticipated.
Others receiving votes: None
Surprise of the Year: Dexter Lawrence
This wasn’t necessarily a good surprise. After returning from a dislocated elbow suffered last season, many anticipated Dexter Lawrence would return to his lively, dominant form. Unfortunately for the Giants, that did not happen. While Lawrence still played moderately well, he didn’t take over games like many had become accustomed to. Moreover, his demeanor with reporters was noticeably off, and he projected an indifferent and sometimes defensive attitude.
Others receiving votes: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Theo Johnson
