Heading into the 2026 season, the Giants are coming off yet another disappointing campaign that saw them go 4-13, with head coach Brian Daboll fired midway through.
But with new head coach John Harbaugh comes a new energy and a belief that this team can take a big step forward.
In this series, we'll break down the depth chart for every position group. This time, we'll go in-depth on the special teams groups…
Key Contributors: Ben Sauls
(placekicker), Jordan Stout
(punter), Xavier Gipson
(punt returner), Deonte Banks
(kick returner), Ben Mann(long snapper)
Key additions/losses: Long snapper Casey Kreidersigned with the Arizona Cardinals
, Stout signed in free agency, Mann signed as a UDFA, Jamie Gillan
left in free agency
Top Performer in 2025: Stout, with a 53.9 grade
2025 ranking via PFF: 31st out of 32 qualified punters
With Harbaugh taking over as head coach, you can bet that the Giants will place a heavy emphasis on special teams. Harbaugh broke into the NFL as a special teams coordinator with the Eagles , and he won't let this third unit be overlooked.
Stout should provide a huge boost in the punting game, giving the Giants a clear upgrade over Jamie Gillan.In a clear example of how a player's PFF grade doesn't always line up with what coaches and other players are seeing, Stout was ranked as the second-worst punter in the league by PFF, yet was First-Team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in 2025.
Gipson, a former Jet, has plenty of experience as a punt returner. He appeared in just one game as a Giant late in 2025, but it's fair to think that Harbaugh can get the most out of him in 2026.
The Giants signed veteran kicker Jason Sanders earlier this offseason, but released him shortly after, leaving Ben Saulsand UDFA signing Dominic Zvadaas the only kickers on the roster. Sauls should have the leg up after kicking in three games with the Giants last season and making all eight of his field goal attempts. The Pitt product also made all of his extra point attempts, so he likely has the advantage over the UDFA Zvada, who made only 68 percent of his field goal attempts with Michigan last season.
The Giants will also have a rookie at long snapper in Mann, unless they go out and sign a veteran before the season. Kreider walked in free agency after seven seasons with the team, so the Giants appear confident that Mann can get the job done.
This is likely Banks' last chance to make an impact with the Giants. A first-round pick in 2023, Banks doesn't seem to truly be in the mix for a job at cornerback, so his only option to stick around is likely as a returner.
Banks had a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown last season against Las Vegas , showing that he has the explosiveness to thrive as a returner. But with other options like Gipson also fighting for a roster spot, Banks will have to earn his place in 2026.
There will be plenty of special teams spots up for grabs come training camp, but kicker -- a position that actually puts points up on the board -- is the one that matters most.
As mentioned, Sauls has the advantage here, but a poor training camp could see either Zvada earning the job, or Joe Schoengoing out and bringing in a veteran. Sanders getting cut after OTAs proves that the Giants aren't messing around when it comes to finding their kicker for 2026.
The Giants will have an interesting mix on special teams.
On one hand, Stout will give them an experienced punter who has an All-Pro designation to his name. On the other, the Giants have a very unproven group of placekickers who could end up making a mess if they don't perform well.
But if Sauls can build off of his successful yet brief performance with the Giants last year, perhaps the Giants won't miss Graham Gano after all.
