The Giants’ No. 1 offseason priority was always to find their quarterback of the future.
John Mara said as much last time he addressed the media.
“That’s obviously the No. 1 issue for us going into this offseason: Find our quarterback of the future,” the Giants co-owner said in early January.
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But would any of the remaining free agent quarterbacks entice them enough to change their plans? In other words, if the Giants sign Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, might they consider drafting the best player available with the No. 3 pick instead of Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders (if they’re somehow still on the board)?
They have to think about it at the very least.
This is a down year for rookie quarterbacks. Ward received plenty of plaudits from anonymous scouts at the Combine — and the Giants should absolutely take him if they can get him —but Sanders’ stock seems to be dropping of late. At the same time, there are two super talents — hybrid wider receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter and edge rusher Abdul Carter — sitting at the top of the board.
If general manager Joe Schoen somehow lands Rodgers or Wilson — who are still serviceable options — he would be smart to continue to bolster the roster with one of Hunter or Carter, then punt on the QB question until next season.
It’s not the sexiest option by any means. Fans would buy into a rookie QB (no matter their skill level) over a 36-year-old or 41-year-old starter every time. But some of the most successful recent rebuild stories — the Lions and Eagles, for instance — had great rosters in place before they plugged in their QB.
Adding Hunter, Carter or one of the other top prospects to an already-improving Giants roster would instantly make them one of the more attractive QB destinations next offseason. And hey, it’s not the worst idea to have Wilson or Rodgers lead the way against the toughest schedule in the NFL next season.
But first, Schoen has to seal the deal. This entire scenario crumbles if he settles on Joe Flacco, Jameis Winston or one of the other lower-tier QB options.
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Ryan Novozinsky may be reached at rnovozinsky@njadvancemedia.com. You can follow him on X @ryannovoNFL
