A new report could create a path for the New York Giants to land the perfect veteran placeholder quarterback to pair with a rookie signal caller next season.
The next couple of months will be very important for Giants general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. After a pair of terrible seasons, this is going to be a make-or-break offseason for both. If they can’t turn things around in 2025, while also showing signs they can be even better long-term, both will be looking for jobs next year.
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That is why they must make the most of the NFL free agency starting next month. And the NFL Draft in April. The rumblings over the last couple of months are that New York could use their top pick in April — third overall — on a young QB. And new rumors have suggested top QB prospect Cam Ward could fall into their laps at three.
However, there is an obvious risk in starting a rookie in Week 1. For every CJ Stroud and Jayden Daniels there are three Akili Smith’s and Daniel Jones’. That is why they are likely to sign an affordable veteran QB to mentor that rookie and be a placeholder starter in 2025. And a new report may offer up the perfect option.
- New York Giants payroll (2025): $47.1 million
Could the New York Giants sign Gardner Minshew this offseason?
“Minshew was terrible in 10 appearances last season. And won’t be in the Raiders’ plans at quarterback,” The Athletic’s Raiders reporter Tashon Reed wrote this week. “If they cut him straight up, they’ll free just $3 million in cap space while taking a dead-money hit of $10.82 million. If they cut him with a post-June 1 designation. However, they’ll free up $6 million in cap space.”
The six-year veteran indeed did have a bad season for the Raiders. However, the team was a mess in general in 2024. But, it can’t be overlooked that he earned Pro Bowl honors in 2023 and has been a very competent backup and short-term option in the league.
- Gardner Minshew stat (2024): 2,013 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 81.0 passer rating
The New York Giants have a solid chunk of money to spend this offseason (just over $47 million). Using some on a rock-solid veteran QB that would come at an affordable rate is likely. Minshew was set to make $11.8 million in 2025. But could be had for slightly less on a one-year deal next season.
If G-Men are indeed looking at taking a QB early in April’s draft Minshew should be a player they consider if he is cut.