In a striking revelation from the NFL Players Association’s 2026 report cards, New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen was rated as the worst NFL GM by players across the league. Released on February 27, 2026, the confidential player survey, which evaluated 31 general managers, assigned Schoen a grade of D+, standing alone beneath the next lowest mark of a C among his peers. This unexpected rating reflects significant dissatisfaction within the Giants organization and raises questions about team dynamics ahead of the upcoming season.
The report was based on anonymous feedback from 1,759 players who were on rosters during the 2025 NFL season. Conducted from November 2 to December 11, the survey offered an inside perspective on player sentiments toward team management, coaching staffs, and organizational conditions across the NFL.
Players Voice Frustration Toward Giants Management and Locker Room Tensions
Joe Schoen’s D+ grade exposes widespread frustration among Giants players, including quarterback Jaxson Dart and others in the locker room. Their dissatisfaction goes beyond losses on the field to issues surrounding contract negotiations and trust in front office decisions. This tension reportedly led to the increased involvement of the Giants’ Senior Vice President of Football Operations, Dawn Aponte, who is expected to assume a larger role in managing contract discussions moving forward.
The strain within the Giants extends to challenges in roster construction and overall team performance. While specific critical feedback from players has not been publicly shared, the low grade indicates that many attribute their struggles to Schoen’s leadership. Despite this, ownership figures John Mara and Steve Tisch continue to stand behind Schoen, entrusting him with key responsibilities including the head coaching search as he approaches the final year of his initial five-year contract.
Comparative Grades Reveal NFL-wide Standards and Giants’ Declining Reputation
This year’s NFLPA report cards revealed a range of grades from A to F for general managers. Apart from Schoen’s D+, nearly all other GMs earned at least a C, with the Bengals and Browns GMs receiving a C, and the Steelers GM managing a C+. The Miami Dolphins secured the top spot in overall team rankings for the third consecutive year, while the Pittsburgh Steelers ranked last at 32nd due to complaints about facilities and staff.
Within the Giants organization, grading also extended to coaches and staff. The team’s head coach dropped from a B+ to a C compared to the previous year’s evaluation. Coordinator assessments were mixed: the offensive coordinator earned a C+, the defensive coordinator fell to a D+, and former special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial led the group with a B+ rating. Position coaches collectively received a B, but strength coaches declined slightly from an A- to a B+.
Facility and Support Staff Scores Highlight Off-field Challenges
Ownership, spearheaded by Mara and Tisch, improved its grade from C+ to B, showing some progress in overall management perception. Notably, the nutritionist and dietitian category experienced a remarkable jump from C+ to A-, reflecting investment in player wellness. Upgrades were also evident in team facilities: dining services rose to a B+, the training room maintained a B-, and the weight room improved to a B+.
Despite these improvements, the locker room’s grade dropped sharply to a D, with the players citing overcrowding and frequent usage as ongoing problems. Team travel ratings slipped to a C, and the biggest disappointment came from the playing surface at MetLife Stadium, which was assigned an F-, reflecting player concerns about field quality.
What the Report Implies for the Giants’ Future
The NFLPA’s report cards have exposed internal issues within the Giants organization that extend from the front office under Joe Schoen’s management to the facilities players use daily. The public revelation of these grades signals a need for structural change to repair trust and improve both performance and morale. Ownership’s continued support of Schoen suggests they believe he can turn things around, but the pressure to deliver results has never been higher as Schoen faces the final year of his current contract.
The evident frustration among players, combined with a decline in team rankings from 20th to 25th this year, implies that the Giants must prioritize addressing locker room concerns, enhancing contract negotiations, and upgrading facilities. If these issues are not resolved, further erosion of team cohesion and competitive standing may follow.
only one NFL GM received a grade worse than a C from NFL players
one
Joe Schoen, NY Giants: D+ pic.twitter.com/5yYROQmzaw
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) February 26, 2026
