The New York Giants' offseason moves may set the stage for a breakout season for Cam Skattebo in 2026. Under new head coach John Harbaugh, the team aims to improve its rushing attack despite missing out on key running back targets.
Key points
Giants aim to improve rushing attack under new coach John Harbaugh
Team missed out on key running back targets in free agency and draft
Only addition to the running back unit is undrafted free agent Damon Bankston
Cam Skattebo may have breakout potential in 2026
Mentioned in this story
New York GiantsBaltimore RavensJohn Harbaugh
Damon BankstonTravis Etienne Jr.Ken Walker IIIJeremiyah Love
Giants' offseason moves could lead to a Cam Skattebo breakout in 2026
The New York Giants headed into the recent offseason, their first under new head coach John Harbaugh, seeking to fortify their rushing attack.
Harbaugh, who coached the Baltimore Ravens for 18 seasons before being fired in January, always prided himself on having an offense that could pound the rock.
The Giants, for one reason or another, came up empty in the running back market. Their top targets in free agency (Travis Etienne Jr., Ken Walker III) and the draft (Jeremiyah Love) slipped away from them. Their only addition to the unit thus far has been undrafted free agent Damon Bankston of New Mexico, who may add more on special teams than on offense.
Giants select Arvell Reese
Giants select Francis Mauigoa
Q&A
What offseason moves did the New York Giants make for 2026?
The Giants focused on strengthening their rushing attack but only added undrafted free agent Damon Bankston, missing out on top running back targets.
Who is Cam Skattebo and why could he break out in 2026?
Cam Skattebo is a running back for the Giants, and the team's offseason changes may provide him with more opportunities to shine in the upcoming season.
What is John Harbaugh's coaching background with the Giants?
John Harbaugh, the new head coach of the Giants, previously coached the Baltimore Ravens for 18 seasons, emphasizing a strong rushing offense.
Why did the Giants miss out on key running backs in free agency?
The Giants' top targets in free agency, including Travis Etienne Jr. and Ken Walker III, were not acquired, leaving them with limited options for their rushing attack.
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New York Giants select Colton Hood
New York Giants select Fields
Giants select Bobby Jamison-Travis
Giants select J.C. Davis
Giants select Jack Kelly
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
Giants select Arvell Reese
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
Giants select Arvell Reese
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
Giants select Francis Mauigoa
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
New York Giants select Colton Hood
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
New York Giants select Fields
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
Giants select Bobby Jamison-Travis
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
Giants select J.C. Davis
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New York Giants' 2026 rookie draft class
Giants select Jack Kelly
The winners here are the Giants' current running backs: Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Devin Singletary. They will benefit from Harbaugh's dedication to the run and the team's offseason additions on offense, such as first-round draft pick Francis Mauigoa, a massive tackle the team is moving inside to guard, and free agent Patrick Ricard, a Pro Bowl fullback known for his pancake blocks.
The player who may benefit the most this season is Skattebo, who, as a rookie last season, became something of a folk hero thanks to his powerful rushing style, personality, and versatility. The thought of Skattebo running behind Mauigoa and Ricard is a frightening prospect for opposing defenses.
The visuals aside, Skattebo, who lost the second half of last season to a dislocated ankle, could be in line for a breakout season statistically if healthy, per fantasy expert Bob Harris of Football Guys.
So, we have Harbaugh's desire to establish the run, efforts to improve the team's run blocking, and a healthy Skattebo. We've had a taste of what that last point means. Even though he only appeared in eight games last season, Skattebo was fantasy gold before he went down.
The fourth-round pick first played a significant offensive role in Week 2 and went on to average 16.0 carries, 4.7 targets, and 96.3 yards while scoring six TDs during his six full games. Skattebo had five-straight games with 90-plus all-purpose yards.
As ESPN's Mike Clay pointed out, Skattebo's 19.2 fantasy points per game during the span would've ranked sixth over the full season.
Harris points out that the Giants' new offensive coordinator, Matt Nagy, will use Skattebo more in the passing game. Last year with Kansas City, Nagy dialed up the sixth-most designed screens to running backs in the NFL.
That will be in addition to his other duties, mainly in the red zone. Last season, in the games he played, Skattebo handled 80 percent of the Giants' rushing attempts inside the five-yard line. That was on an offense that struggled mightily to move the football. This season, there should be more red zone opportunities for the second-year star.
