The New York Giants have made a significant roster move by releasing veteran kicker Graham Gano as the team continues to shape its special teams unit ahead of the 2026 NFL season. The decision marks the end of Gano’s six-year stint with the franchise while also opening the door for a new kicker to take over the role.
Although the Giants signed veteran kicker Jason Sanders in free agency, the starting job is not guaranteed yet as the team still has another option competing for the position.
Giants Move On From Veteran Graham Gano
The Giants officially released Graham Gano after six seasons with the team. During his time in New York, Gano established himself as a reliable kicker and finished among the top scorers in franchise history.
| Player | Seasons with Giants | Total Points | Franchise Scoring Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Gano | 6 | 456 | 6th all-time |
Gano’s final season with the team was affected by injuries. After starting the year strongly, he suffered a groin injury during pregame warmups in Week 3. The injury caused him to miss several games, and he was later placed on injured reserve with a neck issue.
Because of these injuries, the Giants were forced to use multiple kickers throughout the remainder of the season.
Jason Sanders Signed to Strengthen Special Teams
Following Gano’s departure, the Giants brought in veteran kicker Jason Sanders during free agency. Sanders previously spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Miami Dolphins.
| Player | Former Team | Career FG Percentage | Longest Field Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Sanders | Miami Dolphins | 84.6% | 57 yards |
Sanders has been known for his accuracy during his career and ranks among the top scorers in Dolphins franchise history. However, he missed the entire previous season due to a hip injury, which raises questions about how quickly he can return to top form.
The Giants believed Sanders offered a healthier long-term option compared to Gano, which played a role in the roster decision.
Kicker Battle Still Open in New York
Even though Sanders brings veteran experience, the Giants’ kicking job is not guaranteed. Ben Sauls remains on the roster and will compete for the starting role during the offseason and training camp.
| Player | 2025 Field Goals | Extra Points |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Sauls | 8/8 | Perfect |
Sauls performed well during his opportunities last season, converting all eight of his field goal attempts and making every extra point.
His strong finish late in the season has kept him firmly in the competition for the starting position.
Also see: Patriots Mock Draft 2026: Edge Rushers, Offensive Line Depth and New Playmakers Added
Giants Special Teams Situation Heading Into 2026
The Giants will evaluate both kickers during offseason practices and training camp before deciding who will handle kicking duties during the 2026 season.
| Kicker | Strength |
|---|---|
| Jason Sanders | Veteran experience and career accuracy |
| Ben Sauls | Strong performance in limited opportunities |
While Sanders may enter the competition with more experience, Sauls’ perfect record last season ensures the competition will remain open.
The final decision will likely depend on preseason performance and overall consistency as the Giants look to solidify their special teams unit for the upcoming season.
Add as a preferred source on Google
