The New York Giants struck out on a Matthew Stafford trade at the start of the offseason and then were seemingly ignored by Aaron Rodgers after initial inquiries. After being rejected twice, New York pivoted to signing Jameis Winston and they might not be done.
Winston, heading into his age-31 season, signed a two-year contract with New York worth $8 million total. Putting that $4 million average annual salary into perspective, Winston ranked 39th in quarterback salary behind backups like Jimmy Garoppolo ($4.505 million) and Davis Mills ($5 million).
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It is by no means the caliber of financial commitment that would suggest Winston will be the Giants starting quarterback in 2025. The former No. 1 overall pick will have a chance to compete for the starting job in training camp, but New York is still open to adding to the room.
Now, it comes down to how New York goes about finding competition for Winston. Cam Ward is widely expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. Shedeur Sanders becomes the next option, but he’s in play for the Cleveland Browns with the No. 2 overall selection.
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During an appearance on Saturday’s SportsCenter, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler that the Russell Wilson remains a “viable option” for the Giants in free agency.
Wilson’s options in NFL free agency seem to be dwindling. There’s been growing chatter about Cleveland taking Sanders with the second pick. That would leave the Pittsburgh Steelers, who seem inclined to pursue Rodgers until he signs or tells them he’s retiring. If the Browns and Steelers are off the board, New York is the only other option for Wilson.
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Given the domino effect tied into Wilson’s market, the Giants might not have to sign him until after the 2025 NFL Draft. They could wait until Rodgers signs with Pittsburgh and Cleveland drafts Shedeur, then pursue Wilson on a team-friendly deal.
In that scenario, Wilson would likely be the Giants starting quarterback in Week 1 with Winston locked in as his top backup. Of course, this all gets more complicated if New York decides to take a quarterback on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, a move that might leave Wilson without a suitor.
