The New York Giants need more from their safety position in 2026. It couldn’t be more evident after a 2025 season in which Tyler Nubin and Jevon Holland failed to live up to expectations, leaving the Giants’ secondary as one of the weakest units on the roster.

With John Harbaugh now leading the franchise and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson installing a new system, the safety room could be the position group to benefit most from a philosophical shift. The talent exists, but the results haven’t followed. Below is everything you need to know about the Giants safety room. 

Jevon Holland needs to play to his contract

Holland arrived in New York as a $45.3 million free agent expected to be a reliable veteran free safety capable of making plays all over the field. He fell short of that standard. Holland allowed 16 catches on 29 targets, recorded just one interception, and finished with 59 tackles. There were stretches where he looked like a solid piece for the Giants’ defense, but with the unit around him crumbling, Holland too often looked like a liability.

The hope is that better coaching and schematic activation unlock a version of Holland closer to what the Giants paid for. Harbaugh’s defenses in Baltimore historically got strong production from their safeties, including players who weren’t highly drafted. Safety is a position where instincts and situation matter as much as raw pedigree. If the right direction is applied, Holland should improve.

Tyler Nubin has the most on the line

The player with the most to prove is Nubin. The former second-round pick out of Minnesota allowed 22 receptions on 30 targets and gave up an average of 4.2 yards of separation when targeted. He finished with 74 tackles and zero interceptions. The physically dominant version of Nubin that fans saw in college has not yet translated to the NFL.

Better coaching, better direction, and a defensive staff that has historically maximized safeties could help Nubin tap into the talent that made him an early draft selection. With that said, if Nubin can’t prove he’s at least an average-level starter, he could be one of the first players the Giants look to replace during the 2027 offseason. Under Harbaugh, the safety position carries weight. If Nubin isn’t cutting it, the organization will find someone who will.

Ar’Darius Washington is the under-the-radar name to watch

One player who hasn’t received enough attention is Ar’Darius Washington. He’s coming off a torn Achilles tendon suffered last May, and while he returned at the very end of the season, the injury suppressed his free-agent market. That worked in the Giants’ favor.

Before the injury, Washington’s 2024 numbers were impressive. He allowed a -4.6 coverage GPA and a -4.1% catch rate allowed over expected, per Next Gen Stats. He also held opposing quarterbacks to just a 58.7% completion rate when targeted. Washington projects as a versatile slot defender and third safety in packages that feature more than two safeties on the field, which is increasingly common across the league. His prior connection to Harbaugh from their time together in Baltimore should help him carve out a confirmed role quickly.

Projecting the final 4 Giants safeties

The Giants will likely carry just four safeties on the 53-man roster. Jason Pinnock probably claims that fourth spot because of his frame, special teams value, and familiarity with the organization as a former Giant. Elijah Campbell is on the cusp but feels unlikely to make the final cut. Beau Brade, despite being a former Raven, probably doesn’t have enough to push past the top four. Raheem Layne falls into the same category.

One wildcard worth monitoring is Deonte Banks. If Banks doesn’t prove he belongs at cornerback, the Giants could explore keeping him on the back end of the roster as a kick returner, given his elite speed. The possibility of a position transition to safety has always been worth wondering about for someone as physically gifted as Banks.

The projected safety room: Holland, Nubin, Washington, and Pinnock. The new coaching staff inherits a group with genuine ability. Now it’s on them to actually draw it out.