EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants open the 2026 NFL regular season against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13 (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC) at MetLife Stadium. But first, they play one more preseason game Friday against the New York Jets (7:30 p.m. ET) and then must cut their roster to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Who will make the team? Which positions have tough decisions on deck? And where might the lineup be deepest and thinnest this season?
Wide receiver will be the source of the most difficult decisions for new Giants coach John Harbaugh, with big names Odell Beckham Jr. and Braxton Berrios among them. Beckham has proved this summer that he's a capable receiver, but is it worth keeping a sixth or seventh wide receiver who doesn't play special teams? One can argue that the much lesser-known Dalen Cambre makes more sense. The other tough calls will come at running back and whether the Giants should keep all four backs in Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary and Najee Harris, and at cornerback where they remain on the prowl for outside options.
Here is our projection for the 53-man roster for the Giants.
Quarterbacks (2)
Dart is the starter and Winston is the backup. It was never going to be anything else.
Running backs (4)
Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, Najee Harris
It's a deep room after the addition of Harris last week. All four will fight for playing time, with Skattebo and Tracy still the front-runners.
Fullbacks (1)
Harbaugh brought him to New York for a reason. He's a big addition to the running game and will have a massive role.
Tight ends (3)
Isaiah Likely, Theo Johnson, Chris Manhertz
A thin group, but Ricard also plays the tight end position.
Wide receivers (7)
Malik Nabers, Malachi Fields, Darnell Mooney, Darius Slayton, Calvin Austin III, Braxton Berrios, Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham barely snuck onto the roster, and it wouldn't be surprising if he somehow lands on the practice squad as they finagle the roster. Berrios is safer because he is the team's returner.
Offensive linemen (9)
Andrew Thomas, Jermaine Eluemunor, Jon Runyan, Francis Mauigoa, John Michael Schmitz Jr., Marcus Mbow, J.C. Davis, Bryan Hudson, Aaron Stinnie
This leaves off Evan Neal, Josh Ezeudu, Aaron Stinnie and Jake Kubas. It's a new era under Harbaugh. Hudson also sticks over Lucas Patrick, who is tough to keep because of his "old-man" knee.
Defensive linemen (4)
DJ Reader, Shelby Harris, Darius Alexander, Leki Fotu
The Giants will be looking outside for interior defensive line help after final cuts and into the season. Also, Chauncey Golston and several other outside linebackers are considered part of the defensive line because of their ability to play inside. Meanwhile, sixth-round rookie Bobby Jamison-Travis (he's raw) lands on the practice squad.
Outside linebackers (4)
Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Chauncey Golston
This might be the strongest position group on the roster, and they know it. "We already say this team goes as far as we go," Carter said recently. "So, we already put that chip on our shoulder."
Inside linebackers (5)
Tremaine Edmunds, Arvell Reese, Jack Kelly, Micah McFadden, Zaire Barnes
This became a deep group when they drafted Reese at No. 5 this year. McFadden is a starter in a backup role. Barnes makes it for his special teams play, which is especially important to Harbaugh.
Cornerbacks (6)
Greg Newsome II, Deonte Banks, Paulson Adebo, Colton Hood, Dru Phillips, Korie Black
This could get shaken up if the Giants find an upgrade. It's a group filled with questions from top to bottom. Might be the weakest position group on the roster.
Safeties (5)
Jevon Holland, Tyler Nubin, Jason Pinnock, Ar'Darius Washington, Elijah Campbell
The starter opposite Holland isn't set. Nubin, Pinnock and Washington are in the mix. Campbell brings special teams value.
Special teams (3)
Dominic Zvada (K), Jordan Stout (P), Ben Mann (LS)
Zvada wins the kicking job despite Ben Sauls having a strong summer. And the Giants are going with the undrafted rookie Mann as their long-snapper. That's a lot of trust in rookies.
