John Harbaugh has faced the NFL’s relentless scrutiny for nearly two decades, yet loyalty and results have kept him in the league. Now, as he embarks on a fresh chapter, questions swirl about his relationship with Lamar Jackson.
The 63-year-old led the Baltimore Ravens from 2008 to 2025, delivering three straight 10+ win seasons from 2022 to 2024, yet postseason success with Jackson eluded him. Critics wondered if tension with his quarterback influenced his departure.
“We’ve texted a number of times,” Harbaugh said to Dan Patrick. “Great love for Lamar. We’ve texted. He is a great QB. There are no issues between us.”
Smiling broadly when discussing the New York Giants, Harbaugh appeared energized by a new opportunity, signaling that he is ready for a fresh start and confident in his decision, and he also made it clear he considered multiple teams during free agency.
“I talked to everybody,” Harbaugh added. “It was really incredible to talk to the people at every organization.
“The owners, the GMs, team presidents, all that, there are so many great people in this league… You realize we’re all fighting the same things. We’re all fighting the same battles, we all.”
Why did Harbaugh pick the New York Giants?
One major draw for Harbaugh is the chance to shape a young roster, particularly developing Jaxson Dart, whose dual-threat style intrigued him immediately – as well as his hard work as the new Giants boss praised him for being in the gym as late as 21:00.
The Giants present both challenge and opportunity: the team has accumulated just 13 wins over the past three seasons, far below expectations, yet the young talent and potential for growth offer a foundation for rebuilding.
Harbaugh‘s history of playoff success demonstrates his ability to transform underperforming rosters. His six postseason appearances in the past eight years with the Ravens show he can guide teams through pressure-filled campaigns.
The Giants are focused on the NFL Draft to strengthen their offensive line and skill positions, aiming to protect young quarterback and improve both passing and running efficiency.
Offensive tackle remains a top priority, with elite prospects projected in the first round. Adding a high-level tackle would safeguard Dart and help the run game, addressing one of the team’s key weaknesses.
On defense, edge rushers and cornerbacks are targeted, as the Giants need a stronger pass rush and improved coverage to compete with NFC East offenses that exploited their secondary in 2025.
Wide receiver is also on the radar, particularly athletes with size and contested-catch ability, offering Dart vertical threats and reliable targets to stretch the field immediately.
With multiple early-round and compensatory picks, the Giants can either select top talent or trade down for more assets, relying on combines, pro days, and interviews to finalize key selections. What will Harbaugh be able to do with them?
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