Boarded Up: Giants Strengthen Special Teams With Signings

During the legal tampering period, New York agreed to terms with linebacker Chris Board. It’s a two-year deal worth $5.7 million, but it likely won’t have much of an impact on the defense.

That’s totally acceptable. Board is a special teamer through and through. He spent 421 of his 634 snaps on special teams in 2024, looking the part in the process. Board has long been known as a special teams standout – as much as one can be in an invisible position – and he was surprisingly competent for stretches at linebacker, too.

Expect him to continue this trend in New York, helping the Giants win along the margins.

Elsewhere, New York brought back “receiver” Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who is almost entirely a returner. He’s a receiver in denomination only – and did not catch a pass in 2024. The value of his deal is not clear (although likely close to the league minimum), but it is for a single season.

Smith-Marsette took a 100-yard return to the house last season and would’ve had another to his name if not for a back-breaking penalty that took it off the board. For his efforts, he earned a single All-Pro vote in the kick returner category.

As far as filling that role, the Giants can feel comfortable in him remaining potent and helping make the special teams unit strong for the first time in seemingly forever.

Yet, these moves are not without (moderate) criticism. These are two roster spots dedicated solely to special teams; neither are the next man up at their respective positions. That’s more than some teams are willing to spend, especially with depth concerns remaining on the roster.

Ultimately, the Giants cannot afford another special teams disaster. These moves should help provide that insurance, even if they lack utility in other facets.