Giants' Unexpected Savior Emerging Before First Preseason Game

The New York Giants made some significant moves during the offseason, signing tight end Isaiah Likely and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, trading away defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and nabbing the freakish Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick in the NFL Draft.

But perhaps one of their most important additions is flying under the radar: the signing of defensive back Ar'Darius Washington.

Washington played for John Harbaugh four years in Baltimore and established himself as a critical part of the defense, particularly in 2024 when he was actually one of the better defensive backs in all of football.

A torn Achilles limited him to just four games last season, which is certainly a bit of a concern. But Washington has looked very impressive Giants training camp.

With New York's secondary such a massive question mark right now due to the struggles of No. 1 cornerback Paulson Adebo, Washington's presence could be a saving grace.

Capable of playing either safety or nickelback, the 26-year-old has a great chance of starting in 2026, especially with Tyler Nubin and Dru Phillips both being a bit questionable.

ESPN's Jordan Raanan recently claimed that Washington looks like "a natural" in Dennard Wilson's defense, saying that he will have a role as either a slot corner or a safety — or possibly both.

The latter seems more likely.

Nubin might not be an NFL starter, and while Phillips had a strong rookie campaign in 2024, he struggled mightily in 2025 and has been dealing with a knee issue in camp. There is no doubt that both of their starting jobs are on the line.

Washington has shown no ill effects from the Achilles injury and is looking very much like the defender who managed an 84.2 coverage grade at Pro Football Focus two years ago.

Last season, Dane Belton — who is now a member of the New York Jets — played an important hybrid role for the Giants. Washington will fill a similar role in 2026, although he seems to be a rather significant upgrade.

New York will play its first preseason game this Saturday when it faces the Minnesota Vikings. Harbaugh certainly won't reveal all of his cards in the contest, but we might get a decent look at what the Giants' defensive backfield will look like.

And you can bet that Washington will be prominently featured.