John Harbaugh’s first day of free agency with the Giants was an eventful one, seeing the team make an aggressive push to retain a few of their own while infusing their roster with talent from others.

Here’s a breakdown from New York's very active opening day of the legal tampering period...

Isaiah Likely, TE: three years, $40 million

The Giants need playmakers for Jaxson Dart. After Alec Pierce returned to the Colts on a deal paying him $27 million annually, Joe Schoen and Harbaugh pivoted. Likely gives the Giants a seam-stretching weapon with impressive athleticism.

While the 25-year-old hasn’t ever had more than 42 catches for 477 yards, he has been an impressive red zone weapon. From 2022 through 2024, Likely caught 14 touchdowns. Some of his full-season statistics were held back playing behind Mark Andrews. When given a chance to start, Likely showed his potential. He caught nine passes for 111 yards and a touchdown against the Colts on Sept. 5, 2024.

Tremaine Edmunds, LB: three years, $36 million

Adding an inside linebacker for Dennard Wilson’s defense was a priority this offseason. They made calls on Alex Anzalone, Edmunds, and Quincy Williams. Edmunds, whom they discussed a trade for before his release from the Bears, ended up as the pick.

One defensive coach described the 27-year-old as a dynamic player. He’s 6-4, 250 pounds with 25 inch arms and great range. "He just eats up space," he said.

Jordan Stout, P: three years, $12.3 million

A former special teams coordinator, Harbaugh’s commitment to that side of the ball shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. The Giants made Stout, 27, the NFL’s highest-paid punter. An impressive 45.3 percent of his punts were downed inside the 20-yard line last season, earning him first-team, All-Pro honors.

Ar’Darius Washington, CB: one year, $3 million

The Giants view Washington as a special teams ace with safety/nickel flex. He played under Harbaugh in Baltimore. Washington played just four games last season, but was really impressive in 2024. In 17 games (10 starts), he had 64 tackles, a sack, eight pass breakups, and two interceptions. He finished with a PFF grade of 80.9.

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