Giants predicted to help Jaxson Dart by signing $40 million free agent

When it comes to the New York Giants helping out Jaxson Dart, they have multiple needs to address.

The most obvious one comes at wide receiver, where the Giants need an adequate No. 2 target behind Malik Nabers. Perhaps the Giants will re-sign Wan'Dale Robinson, or they could go in a different direction if he becomes too expensive.

New York also has needs along the offensive line, where Greg Van Roten and Jermaine Eluemunor are free agents. They could also explore a center upgrade.

In an article predicting one signing for each team in free agency this offseason, Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano believes the Giants will sign Indianapolis Colts right tackle Braden Smith.

"The Giants need to prioritize protecting second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart," he said. "Additionally, the team needs more depth at the tackle positions because left tackle Andrew Thomas has struggled with availability throughout his career. Smith has made 105 career starts in eight seasons with the Colts. There could also be a vacancy if Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor leaves in free agency."

The Colts have big bucks to shell out with free agents like Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce, so it's conceivable they might not have sufficient cap space to pay Smith, also.

If so, we could see the Giants make a play for him, but only if Eluemunor doesn't return, which is certainly possible.

Smith posted yet another solid season in 2025, giving up one sack and 26 pressures en route to a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 71.9.

He struggled with run-blocking, though, with his 58.0 PFF grade ranking 72nd among tackles. But Smith traditionally has been much better in that area with grades ranging between 70-90 in every other season of his career.

If Smith can get back to that range, he'd be an upgrade over Eluemunor, who posted a superior pass-blocking grade over Smith (76.7) but also struggled blocking for the run (55.1), and that grade wasn't an outlier for Eluemunor's career, either.

Spotrac projects a three-year, $40.6 million contract for Smith in free agency, as compared to Eluemunor's projection of two years and $17.3 million.

The Giants would have to be confident Smith will return to his past run-blocking form for them to pay the extra money it'll cost to sign the Colts free agent. If not, Eluemunor will likely be the choice for Big Blue.

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