Why 2026 is a Make-or-Break Year for Giants Center John-Michael Schmitz

John Harbaugh tried to use his connections to land arguably the NFL's best center this offseason, but Tyler Linderbaum ended up being too rich for the New York Giants blood.

So that leaves incumbent John-Michael Schmitz as the starter, and he has an opportunity to earn a second contract from the team that drafted him by playing well in 2026.

Schmitz has had a rocky, injury-plagued three-year career with the Giants. He has started 41 games but has not played more than 15 in any single season, missing time due to various injuries.

John-Michael Schmitz's 2026 Play 'Will Determine his Future in New York'

Linderbaum reset the center market across the NFL by signing a three-year, $84 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders -- despite Harbaugh's push to reunite the former Baltimore Ravens together with the Giants.

But Schmitz, the 57th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, is only under contract through this year -- he doesn't have a fifth-year option because he was chosen in the second round.

Dan Duggan of The Athletic reported how Schmitz's 2026 season is make or break with the Giants.

"Schmitz's play this season will determine his future in New York," Duggan wrote. "There has been no word of extension talks with the 2023 second-round pick as he enters the final year of his rookie contract."

Harbaugh is tasked with upgrading the Giants culture in Year 1 of a five-year contract as head coach. That means Schmitz will have an opportunity to leave an impression and potentially earn a second contract, especially since incumbent GM Joe Schoen drafted him.

"Schmitz has gradually improved into an average center," Duggan wrote "[That] could be enough to earn him a second contract with the Giants if he impresses the new coaching staff."

The Giants Offensive Line Could be Good in 2026

Obviously, left tackle Andrew Thomas' health is paramount for the Giants O-line to be successful this season. But if he's on the field, they have a good-looking group.

Sure, Francis Mauigoa is a rookie tasked at starting at right guard, a new position, but the Giants will have continuity on their line under first-year O-line coach Mike Bloomgren. Schmitz, Thomas, left guard Jon Runyan and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor were all starters last year.

Schmitz had the 29th-best center grade among 40 qualifying NFL centers in 2025, and he is the weakest link on the unit -- especially with James Hudson leaving in free agency and Evan Neal serving as a reserve.

So for the first time in some time, it shouldn't be the O-line's fault if the team struggles, especially if Thomas is on the field.

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This story was originally published July 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM.