Arvell Reese is another piece in Giants turnaround
by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published May 7, 2026, 9:51 AM
One thing about the National Football League, it never stops dominating the headlines. In many ways, the offseason has become just as important as the regular season itself. In my line of work, the offseason might actually be more enjoyable.
Free agency and the NFL Draft represent rebirth moments for all 32 franchises. Every fan base convinces itself hope is around the corner. The Seattle Seahawks enter 2026 as defending Super Bowl champions, but even that quickly shifts into the rearview mirror once a new season begins.
Since the 2002 NFL realignment, the league has produced at least one “worst-to-first” division champion in 20 of the last 22 seasons. That brings us to today’s discussion.
Which bottom-dwelling teams from last season have the best chance to flip the standings and capture a division title in 2026?
Last season alone, three franchises completed dramatic turnarounds. The Chicago Bears finished 5-12 in 2024 before flipping the script in 2025 with an 11-6 record and an NFC North crown.
The New England Patriots were another major riser. After winning just four games in 2024, New England rebounded to finish tied with the Denver Broncos for the most wins in the AFC at 14.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers climbed from a 5-12 season in 2024 to capture the NFC South with an 8-9 record, proving once again that division races often come down to timing, quarterback play and late-season momentum.
Entering the 2026 season there are several enticing rosters with the look of turning it around.
Worst AFC Division Teams in 2025
- New York Jets (AFC East): 3-14
- Cleveland Browns (AFC North): 5-12
- Tennessee Titans (AFC South): 3-14
- Las Vegas Raiders (AFC West): 3-14
Worst NFC Division Teams in 2025
- New York Giants (NFC East): 4-13
- Detroit Lions (NFC North): 9-8
- New Orleans Saints (NFC South): 6-11
- Arizona Cardinals (NFC West): 3-14
New York Giants
The Giants last won the Super Bowl during the 2011 season under longtime head coach Tom Coughlin. That team finished the regular season 9-7 before catching fire in the postseason and delivering the franchise its second championship under Coughlin.
Since that title run, consistency has been difficult to find in New York.
The Giants have posted losing records in 11 of the last 15 seasons and have cycled through multiple coaching changes trying to stabilize the organization. That instability led to another major reset entering 2026 with the hiring of John Harbaugh.
Harbaugh arrives in New York with one of the strongest résumés in the league. Across 19 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, he recorded only three losing seasons. His final year in Baltimore, an 8-9 finish in 2025, ultimately closed that chapter.
Now the focus shifts to whether Harbaugh can maximize one of the younger rosters in the NFC.
Second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart enters a pivotal season, while the return of a healthy Malik Nabers gives the offense a legitimate playmaking centerpiece. There is quiet optimism around the organization that New York can compete for its first NFC East title since that 2011 championship season.
Defensively, the Giants continue building around youth and speed. Rookie linebacker Arvell Reese, selected fifth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Ohio State Buckeyes football, adds another explosive athlete to the front seven.
The pass rush also has the potential to become one of the better units in the entire league. Second-year edge defender Abdul Carter paired with veteran Brian Burns provides New York two players capable of consistently affecting the pocket.
On paper, the Giants have enough coaching experience, defensive talent and young offensive pieces to make a legitimate worst-to-first push in the NFC East.
Offensive Stars
QB Jaxon Dart
RB Cam Skattebo
WR Malik Nabers
Defensive Stars
- LB Brian Burns
- LB Arvell Reese
- LB Adbul Carter
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
