In years past, defense has not been a strong suit for the New York Giants. During the 2025 season, they allowed an average of 359.5 yards per game. That was 27th of 32 teams. Ahead of 2026, New York has made a concerted effort to improve defensively. One team beat reporter shared that the Giants’ defense is being heavily invested in.
Sources have reported that the Giants are spending $154.8 million on their defense for 2026. Second-most in the NFL behind the Pittsburgh Steelers’ $162.3 million. Where have upgrades been made to the Giants’ defense this offseason? Additionally, what depth pieces have been signed? New York is eager to see an improved defense for the 2026 season.
Where Has the Giants’ Defense Spent the Most Money This Offseason?
Who Has the Team Traded or Parted Ways with Ahead of 2026?
One massive change to New York’s defense in 2026 is the departure of Dexter Lawrence. The Giants traded Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals just one week before the 2026 NFL draft. While the team lost a stalwart on defense, New York did receive the 10th overall pick. They drafted offensive lineman Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa out of Miami. By trading Lawrence to the Bengals, the Giants saved roughly $13 million in cap space for the upcoming season.
Another key player who left the Giants this offseason was linebacker Bobby Okereke. The veteran was released in March, and New York saved $9 million in cap space. Both Lawrence and Okereke were defensive captains in 2025. Now, the team has made upgrades defensively that they hope will take them to another level.
Defensive Free Agents Signed by the Giants
With New York cutting Okereke, that left a massive void at middle linebacker. This offseason, the Giants’ defense signed veteran Tremaine Edmunds to a three-year, $36 million deal. He had $23.7 million guaranteed at signing. Edmunds is entering his 9th professional season in 2026. Lawrence was a defensive anchor for New York, and the team has signed several free-agent defensive linemen to replace his production.
First off, Roy Robertson-Harris suffered an Achilles tear this offseason. When that happened, New York had to address depth on the interior defensive line. The Giants signed 31-year-old D.J. Reader to a one-year deal. Reader started all 17 games for the Detroit Lions in 2025. Veteran lineman Shelby Harris was also signed to a one-year deal for the 2026 season. Harris played in 17 games and made five starts for the Browns in 2025. He will be entering his 12th professional season.
Who Are the Highest-Paid Defenders for New York?
Four of the five highest-paid players on New York’s roster are on defense. Next season, Paulson Adebo’s $23.2 million is the most of any player on the roster. He is on a three-year, $54 million deal with the Giants. Last season, Adebo started all 12 games he appeared in. New York paid Adebo to play like a top cornerback, and he did not give the team that production in 2025. Can the 26-year-old step up in 2026?
The second-highest paid player on the Giants roster is Brian Burns at $21.3 million. Burns had a breakout year in 2025 and finished with a career-high 16.5 sacks. One could argue that Burns is relatively underpaid compared to the rest of the market at his position. He is an invaluable piece to the Giants’ defense both on and off the field.
Coming in as the third-highest paid defender on the Giants roster is Jevon Holland. He is set to make $18.5 million in 2026. Holland signed a three-year, $45.3 million deal with New York ahead of 2025. The 26-year-old started all 14 games he appeared in last season. Ahead of 2026, the team has made great improvements to the defensive roster. Will that result in more wins for the Giants?
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