Giants’ free agency steal primed for bounce-back season that could be transformative for New York
Safety Javon Holland had an up-and-down 2025 debut in New York, but training camp looks much more promising for the Giants.
The New York Giants signed safety Javon Holland to a three-year, $45.3 million contract last offseason, expecting the former Miami Dolphins standout to stabilize a secondary that had lost Xavier McKinney in free agency a year earlier.
Holland’s first season in New York didn’t quite meet those expectations. He posted a 58.4 PFF grade and allowed a 93.9 passer rating when targeted, numbers that weren’t disastrous but fell short of what the Giants envisioned when they made him one of the top-paid safeties on the market.
Holland also dealt with a knee injury late in the 2025 season, missing the finale, and battled smaller knee and neck issues throughout the year that limited his effectiveness. But early returns from training camp suggest a different version of Holland in 2026.
Training camp turnaround
ESPN Giants beat writer Jordan Raanan used a positive tone to describe what he’s seen this summer. “Javon Holland looks primed for a bounce back. He was around the ball a lot this summer,” Raanan wrote.
That description aligns with the player Holland has always been. Over his first four years with the Dolphins as a former second-round pick, he built a reputation as an active, physical safety who lives near the football. The Giants need that version of him now more than ever.
The Giants have had their own issues at cornerback, with Paulson Adebo enduring a rough camp. Having a safety who can cover ground, support struggling corners, and provide help over the top would be a significant boost for defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson’s scheme.
The safety market remains undervalued relative to other positions, which is why Holland landed a relatively modest deal despite being one of the top free agents at his position. He is expected to earn $13.5 million in 2026 and $13.8 million in 2027. But this season carries real weight for his future in New York. If Holland doesn’t play well, the Giants can reasonably move on from his deal next offseason with only a little more than $5 million in dead cap.
Correcting a mistake from the past
Holland is expected to lead the Giants’ safety group alongside 2024 second-round pick Tyler Nubin. The room also includes Jason Pinnock and several depth pieces, with the Giants adding JT Woods over the weekend to bring physicality and roster insurance. Woods provides depth, but the ceiling of the position hinges on Holland’s performance.
The decision to sign Holland was an implicit admission by the Giants’ front office that letting Xavier McKinney walk was a mistake. Holland now has the opportunity to validate that investment and ease the sting of that departure.
Strong play could also put more money in Holland’s pocket. He has roughly $30,000 in per-game active bonuses each game, up to $500,000 throughout the season, plus $250,000 for a Pro Bowl selection and another $250,000 if he earns first-team All-Pro honors. A bounce-back season would secure his place on the roster, potentially earn him those incentives, and give the Giants the high-level safety play they’ve been chasing since McKinney left.
