By Adeniyi Precious 
NFL free agency kicked off, and the New York Giants made a few moves, though the big one most fans were hoping for still hasn’t happened yet. Despite meeting with Joe Flacco and Russell Wilson, the team hasn’t signed a veteran quarterback yet. But they did add some players to the roster while keeping an eye on Aaron Rodgers’ decision. So how did the Giants do in the first week? Let’s break it down:
Paulson Adebo: A
The Giants’ secondary was a weak spot in 2024, so it made sense that they went after a cornerback right away. Adebo was a top target, and he’s exactly what they needed. Even though he’s coming off a leg injury, it’s a necessary risk, especially with all the top receivers in the NFC East.
Roy Robertson-Harris: C
The Giants needed help on the defensive line, and they signed veteran Roy Robertson-Harris to a two-year deal. It’s not an exciting pick, but he could provide some depth. It’s an okay move, though many fans were hoping for a bigger name.
Darius Slayton: B-
Slayton returns for a surprising seventh season with the Giants, getting the deal he was after last year. He’s been reliable but hasn’t had the big breakout season. Now with a new QB in 2025, let’s see if he can make more of an impact.
James Hudson: D
The Giants needed offensive line help, but signing James Hudson raised some eyebrows. He hasn’t been a consistent starter and has mostly been a backup. The move doesn’t look promising, especially given the need for guards rather than tackles.
Chris Board: B
The Giants signed Chris Board to boost their special teams coverage. He’s not a star linebacker but brings solid experience and can step in when needed. After a shaky special teams performance in 2024, this move should help.
Chauncey Golston: B+
Golston had a breakout year in 2024, and now he’s with the Giants. He’s a good pickup for edge rusher, especially since Azeez Ojulari might not be back. Golston’s durability and performance make this an exciting move for the defense.
Jevon Holland: A+
The Giants made a huge splash by signing Jevon Holland, one of the top safeties in free agency. With a big contract, this is clearly a move to shore up the secondary, and pairing him with Tyler Nubin could make a strong duo.
Stone Forsythe: C+
Forsythe adds some depth to the offensive line, but this feels more like a backup option rather than a long-term solution. At least they’re addressing the swing tackle spot, which was a problem last season.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette: A-
Smith-Marsette will be a key player in the Giants’ return game. After a solid performance last season, he’s back and should lock down both kick and punt returns, saving the team from scrambling for options.
Greg Van Roten: B
Van Roten returns for another season, providing stability and flexibility on the offensive line. At 35, he’s a veteran presence who can fill in at guard or center, and that’s a solid move for the Giants’ O-line depth.
Aaron Stinnie: C
Stinnie is back for another year, but his performance in 2024 didn’t blow anyone away. He’s more of a backup at guard, though his experience could come in handy if needed during the season.
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowler: C
Flannigan-Fowler adds more depth at linebacker and should help with special teams. He’s likely a backup but has some experience that could prove useful in case of injuries.
Jeremiah Ledbetter: C+
Ledbetter adds more competition on the defensive line. He’s a decent run stopper but hasn’t been a huge pass-rushing threat. Still, his cheap contract makes him a low-risk depth option.
—
These moves show the Giants are filling some gaps, but there’s still a lot of work to be done, especially at quarterback. Let’s see how things play out as the offseason progresses!