Saturday, February 21, 2026

Giants news, 2/21: Tyler Linderbaum, 6 added to coaching staff, Carnell Tate

New York Giants news

​​Good morning, New York Giants fans!

From Big Blue View

Other Giant observations

8 NFL Teams That Will Make the Playoffs in 2026 After Missing Them Last Season | Bleacher Report

Like the Patriots a year ago, the Giants have a promising quarterback entering his second NFL season in Jaxson Dart. Like the Patriots, the Giants just hired a proven, veteran head coach in John Harbaugh.There are questions in New York, whether it’s the health of players like running back Cam Skattebo and wide receiver Malik Nabers, the impending free agency of important contributors like wideout Wan’Dale Robinson, or a less-than-ideal salary cap situation. But teams with no cap space annually create loads of it with restructures and releases. New York quietly boasted a top-10 offensive line in 2025. And there are pieces on defense—especially up front.

The Patriots weren’t the only four-win team to make the postseason in 2025—the Jacksonville Jaguars did it too. In 2026, it could be the G-Men’s turn.

Tiki: A winning season is what should be expected

Highest priority fix for every NFC team in 2026 | NFL.com

Support Jaxson Dart. Amid 13 losses— seven by a single score— it’s easy to forget the Giants lost their bona fide number one receiver in Malik Nabers (and their sparkplug starting running back in Cam Skattebo) to injury. Per NFL Pro, they did not have a single receiver with 50+ targets and a positive catch rate over expected, as Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton and even tight end Theo Johnson struggled to log consistent production with Nabers sidelined. New York also surrendered the seventh-highest pressure rate in the league (37.8%) and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, who allowed the most pressures and sacks on the team, is an impending free agent. This team could take a major leap if they build better around promising young QB Jaxson Dart — and that probably means a legitimate WR2 and a new right tackle. Perhaps Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate or Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa in the draft or names like Alec Pierce and Braden Smith in free agency.

Isaiah Likely: Giants getting a ‘great culture piece’ in John Harbaugh | USAToday.com

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely offered high praise for John Harbaugh, describing the new New York Giants head coach as a “great culture piece.”

“I feel like Harbaugh has a great mantra; a great culture. I feel like he’s going to tell the Giants— I mean, he’s going to have to call it something else— but ‘Play like a Raven’ was definitely like his mantra,” said Likely. “When you played the Ravens, when you suited up as a Raven, you understood what it meant to wear that black and purple. And that was, you’re going to play violent, you’re going to be disciplined, and you’re going to get after it, snap in and snap out.”

Jermaine Eluemunor on the importance of tape study

These 2 DBs should be on the Giants’ radar in 2nd round, insider says | NJ.com

NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes help for the Giants’ secondary could be waiting in the second round. Jeremiah spoke with the media Thursday to talk about his latest mock draft and preview the 2026 NFL combine. When asked about secondary help that could be available in the second round, 37th overall, Jeremiah liked who could still be on the board. The first player he discussed was Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell.

Other defensive backs Jeremiah mentioned included South Carolina cornerback Gerald Kilgore, who he said could be available if the Giants moved down a couple of spots in the second round. He also mentioned Arizona’s Treyvon Stukes as a possibility if the Giants acquired a pick in the third round.

1 Trade We’d Like to See for Every NFL Team | Bleacher Report

Giants Receive: CB Marlon Humphrey. Ravens Receive: 2026 fourth-round pick (No. 105), 2026 sixth-round pick (No. 191). The secondary is a specific unit that could use some veteran leadership. Cordale Flott, Paulson Adebo and Andru Phillips were the mainstays at cornerback this season. None are exactly foundational pieces moving forward. Humphrey might be on the tail end of his peak. He’s 29 and his 2025 campaign didn’t live up to his All-Pro 2024 season. However, his versatility as someone who can play in the slot and outside along with his experience with Harbaugh could make him a strong addition to New York’s secondary.

Three other trades involving Giants currently on the roster were: Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux to Tampa Bay for a 2026 third-round pick (No. 77); CB Deonte Banks to the Green Bay Packers for 2026 sixth-round pick (No. 200); and DT Dexter Lawrence with a 2026 sixth-round pick (No. 192) to Cincinnati for a 2026 second-round pick (No. 41), and 2027 fifth-round pick.

Giants not projected to receive any compensatory picks | Over The Cap

The New York Giants will not receive any compensatory selections in the 2026 NFL draft when the league makes the announcement next month, projects Over the Cap. Their 2025 free-agent spending spree will prove to be even more costly as they signed six qualifying free agents and lost only one last season.

The Giants brought in cornerback Paulson Adebo, safety Jevon Holland, offensive lineman James Hudson III, linebacker Chauncy Golston, and quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, and lost only linebacker Azeez Ojulari in free agency.

Around the league

Nick Sirianni talked to Frank Reich about a return to Philly | Bleeding Green Nation

Should the Commanders be targeting NY Giants TE Daniel Bellinger in free agency? | Hogs Haven

Eric DeCosta: Ravens have ‘some work to do’ to re-sign impending star free agent Tyler Linderbaum | NFL.com

Matt Ryan says Falcons’ development of Michael Penix starts with getting him healthy | Pro Football Talk

Rams promote Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator: Source | The Athletic

Ranking deepest, thinnest positions in NFL free agency, draft | ESPN.com

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Lakers start important stretch of season off right with a win

Los Angeles, CA - February 20: Guard Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with teammate guard Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers after a basket against the LA Clippers in the second half of a NBA basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday, February 20, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images

LOS ANGELES — With just 28 games left to play coming out of the All-Star break, the Lakers are entering the final phase of the season.

That means every game becomes increasingly important as teams jockey for playoff positioning and attempt to set themselves up for postseason success.

In the Lakers’ first game back from the All-Star break, they faced a tough opponent, taking on the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. They passed the test, beating their rival 125-122.

While the game was far from easy, the Lakers had everyone available to take on the challenge. LA had a clean injury report, allowing them to play their entire rotation, a rarity for the purple and gold this season.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick took this opportunity to begin the game with a new starting lineup featuring LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart.

The result? The Lakers’ offense came out blazing, scoring 41 points, knocking down eight 3-pointers and missing just two shots in the opening quarter.

“I think in the first quarter, we were playing good defense, and we were playing with a lot of pace,” Luka said postgame. “We were able to create some different looks, and I think that is how we should play.”

Despite the good start, challenges came LA’s way. Kawhi Leonard was incredible, scoring 31 points. And the Clippers had a 17-1 run in the third quarter that turned the Lakers’ 14-point advantage into a one-point deficit.

With the talent in the Western Conference, games like these are commonplace. How teams respond to this type of adversity is what separates the good teams from the bad ones.

On Friday night, the Lakers demonstrated they are the former.

Luka and LeBron were generating looks for their teammates. Both players had 11 assists. In the fourth, Smart stepped up, and the defensive specialist added some scoring to his performance.

Midway through the fourth Smart scored five straight points to even the game up. Not only were these crucial baskets down the stretch of a close gcontest, but it was the first time Smart had shot the ball all night long.

With under two minutes to go, LA led by just three points and the game could’ve gone either way.

While LA’s offense was humming and their stars were played well, it was a charge that secured the result.

With under two minutes to play and the Clippers down by three, Bennedict Mathurin was pushing the ball up the court and appeared destined to make it a one-point game.

Reaves did what he always does which is whatever it takes to win. He stood in Mathurin’s way and absorbed the contact as he got steamrolled in the paint. The foul was called, which not only gave the Lakers possession, but took Mathurin out of the game.

“That play right there changed the whole momentum,” Ayton said. “That just got everybody fired up and even more locked in down the stretch.”

The win wasn’t easy and it defintely wasn’t pretty. In fact, the Lakers almost gave up the game with a late turnover that gave Nic Batum a chance of tying it with a last-second three. But it rimmed out and the Lakers won.

In the end the win-loss column cares not about context and with the Lakers needing to increase their win total as high as possible with what’s left in the season, earning the victory is all that matters.

“Obviously, want to go game by game, but it was important to start like this,” Luka said.

With the win in hand, a new starting lineup revealed and some impressive performances by the Lakers’ most important players, the time it’s now or never for LA to show the NBA just how good they can be.

If Friday night was any indicator, this team’s ceiling has yet to be reached.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.



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Jaxon Smith-Njigba: I deserve to be the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL

Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has played three years of his rookie contract, which means he's now eligible for his second contract. He wants it to be a big one.

Smith-Njigba said in an interview with Jonah Javad of WFAA that he expects a new deal for the right money at the right time, and he expects it to be the most lucrative deal any wide receiver has ever signed.

"I'm really not too pressed right now to get it done," Smith-Njigba said. "I know my time is coming and when we get it done it's gonna be a great deal. God's timing is perfect timing, so whenever that may come we'll be ready for it. I think I deserve to be the highest-paid at my position, just what I give to the game and the community, I give it my all. And I think that's worth a lot, lot more. I would play this game for free, I love this game so much, but you don't have to. I'm learning to be a good businessman, and we need that check at the end of the day."

Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase currently has the biggest contract for a wide receiver in NFL history, the four-year, $161 million deal he signed 11 months ago. Smith-Njigba will be looking for a contract that averages more than $40.25 million per year.



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Friday, February 20, 2026

Dolphins looking to trade Minkah Fitzpatrick – The Splash Zone 2/20/26

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Miami Dolphins enters the field prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Miami Dolphins are entering another rebuild mode and it seems like we just got done with the last one. Back in 2019 when the Dolphins decided they needed to tear it all down and start over, Minkah Fitzpatrick was in his second year with the team. He was unhappy with his role with the team and requested a trade, which ended with him heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a first round pick. Now after being back with Dolphins for another year, Fitzpatrick will probably be on the move again. It was reported the Dolphins are looking for a trade partner for the safety and it would be wise to get the maximum value for him while he is still in his prime. It will hurt to lose a good player like him, but

You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.

Why the Minkah Report Was Totally Predictable
Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick could be on his way out of Miami for a second time


Dolphins Quarterbacks

Exploring the Dolphins’ More Creative Options for Trading Tua Tagovailoa
The Dolphins might need to do something drastic to get a team interested in trading for Tua Tagovailoa.

Breaking Down an Under-the-Radar Option at Quarterback
The Miami Dolphins almost certainly will have a new starter in 2026


Dolphins Offseason

Ranking Dolphins Top 11 Options at Pick 11 in 2026 NFL Draft
Miami is slated to pick just outside the top 10 in the 2026 NFL draft.

8 NFL draft prospects Miami Dolphins must interview at scouting combine
Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is bringing “The Packers Way” to South Florida.

Three roster moves that would do the Dolphins more harm than good in their effort to reset their salary cap books
Which potential moves left for Miami to make this offseason may be too cost-prohibitive?

Dolphins In Play for International Game
The Miami Dolphins played in Spain in 2025 and could have another game out of the country next season

Miami Dolphins to win only 4 or 5 games, DraftKings projects
According to DraftKings, the Miami Dolphins’ over/under win/loss projection for 2026 is 4.5 wins.


Phinsider News You May Have Missed

Tough decisions on the horizon – The Splash Zone 2/18/26
Welcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours.

Dolphins exploring trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick
Minkah Fitzpatrick will likely leave the Dolphins this offseason.

How good was Patrick Paul in 2025?
Paul posted the fourth lowest pressure rate for all left tackles in 2025.

Miami Dolphins Discussion: Who To Trade Edition
We ask Miami Dolphins players which players they would like to see the team attempt to trade away.

Former Miami Dolphins WR Isaiah Ford joins Bears coaching staff
A former 7th-round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins will now learn under one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds!



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Cavs at Hornets: How to watch, odds, and injury report

Jan 21, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives in as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the second night of a back-to-back against the Charlotte Hornets. Cleveland returned from the All-Star break last night with a big win over the Brooklyn Nets.

It’s been a good two months for the Cavs. They’ve turned the corner in 2026 and are back to being an elite team. Cleveland is 13-2 over their last 15 games and have worked back into the top 10 for both offensive and defensive ratings.

The Cavs began trending in the right direction even before the James Harden trade, but his arrival has only made them more dangerous. This is a team that’s playing with a newfound confidence. They could carry that into a big run in the playoffs, if all goes as planned.

Meanwhile, Charlotte has been a pleasant surprise. Kon Knueppel is right in the mix for Rookie of the Year, while LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller have helped lead one of the league’s best offenses in February.

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WhoCleveland Cavaliers (35-21) vs. Charlotte Hornets (26-30)

Where: Spectrum Center – Charlotte, NC

When: Fri., Feb. 20 at 7 PM

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports Network App, NBA League Pass

Point spread: Cavs -5.5

Cavs injury report from last game vs. Nets: Max Strus – OUT (foot), Nae’Qwan Tomlin – OUT (calf soreness), Emanuel Miller – OUT (G League), Tristan Enaruna – OUT (G League), Riley Minix – OUT (G League)

Hornets injury report: Not Yet Submitted

Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

Hornets expected starting lineup: Kon Knueppel, Grant Williams, Ryan Kalkbrenner, LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller

Previous matchup: Player Grades: Cavs vs Hornets – Cleveland outlasts Charlotte in shaky offensive performance

Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.

Offensive Rating Defensive Rating Net Rating
Cavs 118 (8th) 113.6 (9th) +4.3 (8th)
Hornets 117.2 (11th) 115.5 (15th) +1.8 (13th)

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Thursday, February 19, 2026

Seahawks begin process of selling team — less than two weeks after Super Bowl win

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hands the Vince Lombardi Trophy to Jody Allen of the Seattle Seahawks after the Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California

Ever dreamed of buying a defending Super Bowl champion franchise?

Well, now you can — if you have a few billion dollars lying around

The Estate of Paul G. Allen announced it had “commenced a formal sale process” of the Seahawks just 10 days after the franchise captured its second Super Bowl title with a 29-13 win over the Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. 

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hands the Vince Lombardi Trophy to Jody Allen of the Seahawks after their Super Bowl win over the Patriots on Feb. 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, Calif. Getty Images

In a statement announcing the news, the Allen estate said the sale of the Seahawks is “consistent with Allen’s directive to eventually sell his sports holdings and direct all Estate proceeds to philanthropy.”

“The Estate has selected investment bank Allen & Company and law firm Latham & Watkins to lead the sale process, which is estimated to continue through the 2026 off-season.

NFL owners must then ratify a final purchase agreement,” the statement continued. 

Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, purchased the Seahawks in 1997 for around $200 million. 

The team’s current home, Lumen Field, was built, and Seattle won its first Super Bowl (2014) during his tenure and made another Big Game appearance the following season.

Allen died in 2018, and his younger sister, Jody Allen, has been the chair of the franchise since. 

Seahawks owner Paul Allen on the field before their win over the Giants on Oct. 22, 2017, at MetLife Stadium. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

At the time of his death, Allen owned the Seahawks, Trail Blazers and a 25 percent stake in the Sounders.

As part of his will, Allen directed his sister to eventually sell off his sports holdings and use the proceeds for charity. 

The Seahawks were valued at an estimated $6.59 billion last year by Sportico. Forbes valued the team at $6.7 billion. 

The sale of the Seahawks is expected to set a new NFL record, with some suggesting they could sell for as much as $8 billion. 



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Cup of Cavs: NBA news and links for Thursday, Feb. 19

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 14: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 14, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good morning, it’s Thursday, February 19th. The Cleveland Cavaliers are 34-21 and finally play basketball again for the first time since last Wednesday.

A lot has happened since we last previewed a Cavs game. I totaled my car. Jaylon Tyson and Donovan Mitchell competed in All-Star weekend. And, Cleveland went a few days in a row without snowing or dipping below freezing. All in all, not too bad.

The Cavs will host the Brooklyn Nets tonight at 7 PM. Cleveland is 1-0 against the Nets this season.

Today’s Game of the Day

  • Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks – 7:30 PM, Prime Video

There’s a power vacuum in the East this season. And even with the best record in basketball, the Pistons are still trying to prove that they belong at the top of the conference. A showdown with the Knicks could help them earn some more goodwill.

But, as Cavs fans know, the only way to beat the ‘regular season merchant’ accusations is to prove it in the playoffs. A win tonight won’t cement the Pistons. But it could be a fun statement game regardless.

The rest of the NBA schedule

  • Indiana Pacers at Washington Wizards – 7 PM
  • Atlanta Hawks at Philadelphia 76ers – 7 PM
  • Houston Rockets at Charlotte Hornets – 7 PM
  • Toronto Raptors at Chicago Bulls – 8 PM
  • Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs – 8:30 PM
  • Orlando Magic at Sacramento Kings – 10 PM
  • Boston Celtics at Golden State Warriors – 10 PM
  • Denver Nuggets at LA Clippers – 10:30 PM

Cavs links of the day

NBA links



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