EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The football operations machine never truly stops. Even amidst a coaching change, the New York Giants have begun the granular work of constructing their 2026 roster, making a series of low-key but telling signings this week.
The most notable player transaction was the signing of defensive tackle DeMarvin Leal to a reserve/future contract on January 24, 2026. Leal, a former Pittsburgh Steelers draft pick, becomes the first player added to the organization under the John Harbaugh regime. The move adds depth and potential upside to the defensive line, an area new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will be keen to evaluate. Leal will have the opportunity to compete for a rotational role during offseason workouts and training camp.
This signing was preceded by a broader effort to secure developmental talent. On January 20, 2026, the Giants signed seven players to reserve/future contracts. This group includes guard Jake Kubas, defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu, and several others. These contracts are standard procedure in the NFL offseason; they grant the Giants the exclusive rights to these players for the upcoming league year, allowing them to participate in offseason activities without counting against the active roster limit. They represent the “bottom of the roster” competition that is vital for building special teams units and discovering hidden gems.
These moves, while not headline-grabbing, are the foundational bricks of the offseason. They indicate that GM Joe Schoen and his personnel department are actively working in tandem with the new coaching staff to identify talent that fits their vision. As the Giants look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 5 pick and the opening of free agency in March, these early signings are the first steps in what promises to be a busy and transformative offseason for Big Blue.