The New York Giants’ biggest priority this offseason is significantly upgrading their quarterback position.
New York had arguably the worst quarterback room in the NFL last season, one of the reasons general manager Joe Schoen finds himself on the hot seat. The Giants hold the third pick in the draft, and several mock drafts have them selecting either University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward or Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders.
In addition to drafting a rookie quarterback, the team needs to acquire a veteran who can help groom their draft pick and potentially start until the rookie is ready to take over.
While speculation has linked the Giants to Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford, acquiring the 37-year-old quarterback would be costly. Whether it’s Stafford or another veteran, they would make more sense for the team than the three quarterbacks listed below.
Aaron Rodgers
The New York Jets have informed Aaron Rodgers they’re moving on after two tumultuous seasons. Despite the 41-year-old quarterback’s familiarity with MetLife Stadium, he would be a poor fit for Big Blue.
Despite throwing 28 touchdowns to 11 interceptions in 2024, the four-time NFL MVP is regressing. His 90.5 quarterback rating was his lowest for a season since becoming a full-time starter in 2008. His performance could decline further as he’d need to learn a new system while being a year older.
Additionally, Rodgers’ personality could potentially disrupt team chemistry. With leadership already a question mark in the locker room, bringing in such a polarizing figure would be risky.
Related: NFL insider reveals 4 potential Aaron Rodgers landing spots in 2025
Kirk Cousins
Last offseason, the Atlanta Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year $180 contract. But after the veteran signal-caller faltered throughout the season and was eventually supplanted by rookie Michael Penix Jr., many feel it’s inevitable that the team will part ways with Cousins.
The Giants should avoid pursuing the 37-year-old quarterback if he becomes available. He lacks the mobility that’s crucial to Brian Daboll’s offense, and his performance has declined significantly.
In 14 starts last season, his 16 interceptions tied Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield for the league lead. In his final five starts, Cousins threw nine interceptions and just one touchdown. Given his age and recent performance, it would be difficult to convince fans he represents a significant upgrade over last season’s roster.
Related: Cleveland Browns expected to consider Kirk Cousins this offseason
Carson Wentz
In 2017, Carson Wentz was an MVP candidate for the Philadelphia Eagles, throwing 33 touchdowns to just seven interceptions with a QBR of 78.6. However, a late-season ACL tear derailed his career trajectory.
Since playing 17 games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2021, he’s appeared in just 13 games for the Washington Commanders, Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs combined. While the 32-year-old Wentz could still have several NFL seasons ahead of him, the Giants need someone who can win games and make an immediate impact. It’s difficult to envision Wentz being the right choice to both keep the team competitive and mentor a rookie quarterback.