Special Teams, Special Problem: The Giants Kicking Dilemma for 2026

The New York Football Giants' season is officially gone, and they have many decisions that need to be made when it comes to the 2026 draft. After losing to the Minnesota Vikings, the Giants now sit at a 2-13 record for the 2025 season. They have had problems in many areas, and one of their most significant struggles this season has been dealing with their kicking team. The Giants have already been through at least three kickers this season. There is no way it is going to get better for the rest of the season. Big Blue has fallen because they has missed so many extra points this season. One of their main focuses should be to find a kicker during this offseason.

As of right now, the Giants have the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, they aren’t going to use it on a kicker, though. They have an elite spot. Big Blue will likely go after a different position, such as a wide receiver or even a running back, to help the offensive line next season. They are losing Wan’Dale Robinson to free agency. The Giants will probably also find a way to trade down and pick up someone better for their roster. Big Blue will probably pick up a kicker in free agency if not elsewhere. 

The Giants currently have their veteran kicker Graham Gano, who has been with the Giants for the past several seasons. However, he has been out for most of the season due to groin and neck injuries sustained on the field. The Giants have had two backup kickers who have already been on the field, both Jude McAtamney and Younghoe Koo, who the Giants waived because they missed multiple important kicks that caused the Giants to lose games that they could have won. They have just been picking up whoever they could. During their game against Minnesota, the Giants didn’t have any issues because they brought in a third kicker, Ben Sauls, who had already worked wonders for this Giants team. He connected on nearly every kick he made in his NFL debut. 

The Giants, however, still need to find a backup kicker if Gano doesn’t return for next season. Sauls may be the guy for them if he doesn't. Sauls is also a left-footed kicker, which was something different for the Giants. Big Blue needs to do more footwork before next season and rebuild the special teams. For the Giants, it is definitely an area for them to focus on during this coming offseason.