The New York Giants face a pivotal offseason as they analyze their roster in light of the lessons learned from the Washington Commanders, who have successfully prioritized leadership and culture through strategic acquisitions. This past offseason, the Commanders added key veterans such as Bobby Wagner, Austin Ekeler, and Zach Ertz, fostering a professional environment that supported rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels during high-stakes games. The Giants missed this crucial aspect of team building by allowing leaders like Saquon Barkley and Julian Love to depart, which ultimately led to a loss of character and depth on their roster.

As the Giants reflect on their performance, especially in a division where they’ve struggled against rivals like the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, it’s clear they must start valuing leadership as highly as talent. The model put forth by the Bills—who have thrived by dominating their division—further illustrates the importance of winning critical divisional matchups, something the Giants have failed to do recently. The offseason will be crucial in reshaping their approach.