Feb. 7, 2026, 9:01 a.m. ET

The New York Giants made major changes this offseason by hiring John Harbaugh as their next head coach. Harbaugh’s impact on the franchise has already been felt through significant adjustments to the coaching staff and even some front-office personnel.

As Harbaugh continues to finalize his staff, attention is shifting toward free agency and the 2026 NFL draft.

NFL.com recently compiled a list of individuals who could shape free agency, and the Giants’ new head coach not only made the list — he ranked in the top five.

The Giants are a storied franchise with two Super Bowl victories in the past two decades but just two winning seasons since 2016. Enter Harbaugh, a Lombardi Trophy-winning coach in his own right, who arrived in New York unafraid to shuffle things up. Harbaugh could be exactly what this team needs after several lost campaigns. The Giants have a foundation around which to build, but it will be fascinating to see how Harbaugh, who will have plenty of say over personnel, puts his stamp on the roster. The Giants must add toughness throughout the operation, along with the belief that they can contend, and that’s what Harbaugh was brought in to deliver.

There have already been rumors that Harbaugh could target players who previously played under him with the Baltimore Ravens.

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Bringing in Harbaugh obviously means changing the way a football team is built, and his hands will be on every move the Giants make.

The Giants have some great pieces to build around, but don’t be surprised if they trade away or acquire a big-name player, making a splash during the free-agency period. General manager Joe Schoen has been known to make trades in the heart of free agency, but with Harbaugh now in place as head coach and holding some decision-making power, the Giants’ actions in this first offseason of the Schoen-Harbaugh era could prove unpredictable.

However, with Harbaugh now in New York, the Giants may become a destination where players want to play. The team’s pending free agents may also decide they want to stay with Big Blue, thanks to the arrival of a Super Bowl-winning head coach.