Giants’ Desperate Swing for Matthew Stafford Falls Short
The New York Giants had a bold plan, reminiscent of a 2016 Ryan Howard-like hack, to bring Matthew Stafford to New York. They were willing to part with significant draft compensation for the Los Angeles Rams and a staggering $100 million for Stafford himself. However, their efforts proved futile as Stafford chose to return to the Rams. Had he not, the Giants’ second choice was the Las Vegas Raiders. The Giants’ top plan, which would have been a massive boost to their franchise, never had a chance. This setback left the Giants in a critical position, as team owner John Mara had made it abundantly clear that securing a quarterback was a top priority following the 2024 season. General Manager Joe Schoen is now determined to find a way to get the quarterback they need, recognizing the urgency of the situation.
Pivoting to the NFL Draft
With the Stafford plan falling through, the Giants are now expected to turn their attention to the NFL Draft. The primary topic of conversation at the NFL Combine was their potential move to secure the No. 1 overall pick. According to multiple sources, the Giants will likely attempt to trade up to the top spot, giving them a choice between Shedeur Sanders from Colorado and Cam Ward from Miami. The return compensation for such a trade is not expected to be excessively high, given the Giants’ recent win over the Colts in Week 17, which moved them up to the third pick. An exchange of first-round picks and a couple of third-round picks is considered sufficient by one general manager who is not affiliated with either the Titans or the Giants. The Giants might need to offer a second- and third-round pick if the Titans can create a competitive bidding environment.
Scouts Favor Cam Ward Over Shedeur Sanders
SNY gathered insights from a wide array of scouts, general managers, executives, head coaches, assistant coaches, and agents during the NFL Combine. Not a single source ranked Shedeur Sanders higher than Cam Ward as a quarterback prospect. The consensus is that Ward stands out as the superior choice, with a noticeable gap between him and the next group of prospects, including Quinn Ewers, Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, and Sanders. Despite this, if the Giants are set on drafting Sanders, it may not matter what the other 31 teams think, as long as they believe he can be the franchise quarterback they desperately need. However, the overwhelming belief is that any trade with the Titans will be for Ward, as there is a strong possibility that Sanders will still be available at the third overall pick.
Veteran Options on the Table
The Giants’ interest in Aaron Rodgers has generated significant buzz, though it may have been somewhat exaggerated. While it is true that the Giants have had discussions about Rodgers, and members of their coaching staff sought input from former Jets coaches about his two years in New York, no deal is imminent. Rodgers is not considered the immediate fallback option after missing out on Stafford. One source even suggested that they would be "stunned" if a Rodgers deal materialized. Instead, the Giants are exploring multiple veteran quarterback options. Russell Wilson, who is currently with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Sam Darnold are also on their radar. Sources indicate that Wilson might be the player the Giants ultimately land. Interestingly, Darnold, unlike Wilson, could influence the Giants’ draft strategy at the third overall pick.
Alternate Reality: Cornerback Focus
In an alternate reality where the Giants successfully traded for Matthew Stafford, it is highly unlikely that they would have used their third overall pick on a quarterback. Instead, most sources SNY consulted believe that the Giants would have selected Colorado’s Travis Hunter. Hunter is a versatile player who could primarily play cornerback but also be utilized on offense occasionally by Head Coach Brian Daboll. This scenario underscores the Giants’ internal belief that they are closer to fielding a competitive team than they may actually be. While this optimism could be a miscalculation, it provides insight into how the Giants will approach their offseason.
Hyper Aggressive Strategy in Free Agency
Two NFC coaches shared their thoughts with SNY on the Giants’ likely approach this offseason. Both coaches emphasized that the Giants are preparing to be highly aggressive in both trading up in the NFL Draft and pursuing top free-agents. This aggressiveness is driven by the win-now mandate placed on coaches and executives. For Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll, the stakes are high; they know that this is their last year with the Giants if they fail to build a winning team. However, one coach cautioned that this all-or-nothing strategy often backfires. "They’ll set that organization back years if they lose," he explained. "Even if they win in Year 1, it will be short-lived as the deals age." The Giants are exploring the top tier of free-agent cornerbacks, with D.J. Reed from the Jets, Paulson Adebo from the Saints, and Byron Murphy from the Vikings being potential targets. Reed, in particular, could serve as a valuable mentor for Deonte Banks, given his excellent relationship with former Jets first-rounder Sauce Gardner. As the Giants navigate their offseason, they must balance the need for immediate impact with the long-term health of the franchise.
