With John Harbaugh as head coach, the New York Giants will have an improved special teams in 2026. In recent years, the team has struggled to have a reliable kicker who doesn’t miss time. Veteran Graham Gano appeared in just 23 of 51 games for New York over the last three seasons. It has been an uphill battle for the 38-year-old to stay healthy.
On Sunday, SNY’s Connor Hughes reported that the Giants are releasing Gano, ending his six-year tenure in New York. Gano could not stay on the field, and the team had no choice but to part ways. In doing so, the Giants will save $4.5 million toward the salary cap. However, they will take on $1.25 million in dead money.
Graham Gano Released After Six Seasons
A Move Fans Saw Coming
The 2025 season was Gano’s 16th year in the NFL and sixth with the Giants. Unfortunately, the 38-year-old has struggled to be available for New York. Gano appeared in five of their 17 games last season. He had a groin issue earlier in the year that limited his availability. Later in 2025, Gano had a herniated disc pushing on the spinal cord that forced him to miss serious time.
Earlier in his tenure with the Giants, Gano was a player the team could rely on. From 2020 to 2022, Gano appeared in at least 16 games each year. He holds the franchise record for 26 field goal kicks of 50 yards or longer. Additionally, Gano made 37 consecutive field goals during his 2020 and 2021 campaigns. Despite his success early with New York, Gano knew his time with New York was coming to an end. Will the soon-to-be 39-year-old continue his playing career?
Who Will be the Starting Kicker for the Giants in 2026?
With Gano off the team, the Giants currently have two kickers on the roster. This offseason, the team signed free agent Jason Sanders to a one-year, $1.425 million contract. Sanders was previously with the Miami Dolphins for eight years and was their longest tenured player. However, Sanders was forced to miss the entire 2025 season due to a hip injury. In March 2026, he was released by the Dolphins. Soon after, he was signed by the Giants.
During the 2024 season, Sanders appeared in all 17 games for the Dolphins. He made 90.2% of his field goal attempts that season, including a season-long of 57 yards. Sanders was also 26 of 28 on extra point tries. Along with Sanders on the roster, the Giants also have Ben Sauls. The team retained the 24-year-old this offseason. As a rookie in 2025, Sauls went a perfect 8-8 on his field goal attempts for the Giants. Sauls will compete with Sander for the starting role in 2026.