DL Chauncey Golston will prove to be the Giants’ most underrated signing of the offseason.
John Schmeelk: Fact – Golston’s versatility will prove vital to the Giants this season. Whether as a big body setting the edge on early down against the run, or reducing to the three technique to rush the passer on third downs, Golston should make a big impact on the defense in 2025. I think his pass rushing ability lined up between the tackle and guard will prove the most effective, as he will likely get one-on-one opportunities with so much attention being given to Dexter Lawrence, Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. I love the idea of those five players all being on the field and rushing five in passing situations.
Matt Citak: Fiction – Maybe it’s just me but I’ve been very high on Golston being added to the fold since the signing became official back in mid-March. Coming off a career-high 5.5 sacks last year, Golston should provide Shane Bowen with a versatile piece to use all over the defensive line. Instead, I’m going to go with the re-signing of Darius Slayton as the most underrated signing of the offseason. Slayton has been very consistent over his first six seasons with the Giants, despite not having the most stable quarterback play. Given the additions made to the QB room, Slayton could be in for a career year, something that is not being talked about nearly enough.
The most important duo this season is Andrew Thomas and Jermaine Eluemunor at tackle.
John Schmeelk: Fact – I didn’t even have to think long about this one. The play of the offensive tackles will be critical to the team’s success. I thought about going with the guards, but there’s some question as to who the second starting guard will be, which is a position where the Giants have a lot of depth. Especially given Thomas’ injuries in prior seasons, I think it is critical for the tackles to be healthy and play well. James Hudson was a swing tackle for the Browns the last couple of seasons, but the depth at offensive tackle is not what it is at guard, making their health and strong play essential to a good Giants season.
Matt Citak: Fiction – The easy answer here is ‘fact’ as Thomas is perhaps the most important player on the entire team, evidenced by the offensive line’s struggles the past two seasons once he got hurt. I’m going to go a little outside the box with my answer. How about Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart? Wilson will begin the season as the team’s starting quarterback, so his performance will obviously go a long way in determining the success of the offense. Solid play from Wilson should help elevate the floor of the unit as a whole, which in turn will benefit the defense. As for Dart, is there anyone that would argue that the rookie QB’s development is one of the most important parts of this upcoming season? Whether he’s under center for one game or half the season, if Dart looks good when he’s out on the field, everyone will be feeling a whole lot more confident heading into the 2026 campaign.