2025 is the ultimate make-or-break year for New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen. After his team set a franchise record for losses and was swept by the NFC East, Schoen faces mounting pressure to retain his position.
The blame for the Giants’ disastrous 2024 season largely stems from Schoen’s missteps last offseason, including allowing Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney to leave via free agency, maintaining an inadequate quarterback room, and failing to build adequate roster depth.
Here are the five biggest decisions Schoen faces this offseason to produce a competitive team in 2025.
What will Schoen do with third pick in 2025 NFL Draft?
New York holds the third pick in the draft, with widespread speculation about their direction. Given their desperate need for a quarterback, they’ll likely target either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. However, with talent deficiencies on both sides of the ball, they could draft Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who offers immediate impact potential at both cornerback and receiver. Schoen could also trade up to secure his highest-rated player or trade back to accumulate additional picks.
Which veteran quarterback will Schoen sign?
Beyond drafting a quarterback, the Giants must sign a veteran who can mentor their rookie and potentially start Week 1. Reports indicate interest in trading for Matthew Stafford, though acquiring him would likely prove too costly if the Rams demand the third overall pick. Free-agent alternatives include Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Jameis Winston, and Sam Darnold, giving the 45-year-old general manager several options to consider.
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How aggressive will Schoen be trying to sign free-agent receiver?
While Malik Nabers justified his selection as the sixth overall pick with 1,204 receiving yards in his rookie season, the Giants need another reliable target, especially with Darius Slayton entering free agency and Jalin Hyatt underperforming. The free-agent market offers promising options in Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin, Stefon Diggs, Amari Cooper, and Elijah Moore. Though some carry injury concerns, each could bolster a passing attack that ranked 28th in 2024.
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Will Schoen give Kayvon Thibodeaux his fifth-year option and try to re-sign Azeez Ojulari?
Two critical decisions face Schoen regarding edge rushers: whether to re-sign free agent Azeez Ojulari and whether to exercise Kayvon Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option by May 1. Ojulari, though not a starter, has proven effective when healthy, recording six sacks in 11 games. However, injuries have limited him to just 22 games over three years. Thibodeaux, Schoen’s first draft pick, posted 11.5 sacks in 2023 but has struggled with consistency and availability.
How will Schoen upgrade cornerback position?
The cornerback position requires immediate attention, particularly after Deonte Banks’ second-year regression. The defense managed just five interceptions in 2024 and set an NFL record with 11 consecutive games without an interception. Travis Hunter presents an intriguing draft option, having recorded seven interceptions in two years at Colorado. Alternatively, free-agent options include Charvarius Ward, D.J. Reed, and Rasul Douglas, with the Giants’ projected $47 million in cap space providing flexibility.
Related: New York Giants a ‘sleeper’ for veteran QB this offseason
Honorable mention: How should Giants address offensive guard position?
The Giants must also address their guard position, with options including signing free agent Trey Smith, moving Evan Neal to guard, or selecting a guard on Day 2 of the draft.
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