What is the next step for the New York Giants? Unlike many other teams that are starting over with new general managers or completely overhauled coaching staffs, the Giants do at least have continuity working in their favor.
While general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll may be aligned in their decision-making process heading into their fourth year together, the Giants desperately need a QB upgrade. Actually, they don’t have any quarterbacks under contract.
Perhaps that’s why the Giants trade rumors are heating up as the offseason moves along. Recently, they’ve been tied to a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
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New York Giants’ Matthew Stafford trade cost could start with 34th pick
One surprising potential solution for the New York Giants this offseason could be to negotiate a trade with the Los Angeles Rams for Matthew Stafford.
The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback is not on the trade block. He’d like to return to Los Angeles, and the Rams would like to retain him. However, Stafford also has just $4 million in guarantees remaining on his contract. Expectedly so, the 37-year-old two-time Pro Bowl quarterback wants a larger financial commitment that shows he’s in his team’s future plans.
So far, the Rams have failed to bump Stafford’s pay, which is the only reason why his name is popping up in trade rumors. Yet, these rumors haven’t gone away. If anything, they’ve only strengthened as the offseason rages on.
Recently, The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue and Dan Duggan speculated on what a potential Giants trade for Stafford package could look like. While it’s been reported that the Rams are seeking a first-round pick in exchange for Stafford, that wouldn’t be the case when negotiating with the Giants, who hold the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Rodrigue: “In a deal for Stafford, acquiring a pick high enough to package and move up for a top receiver or offensive lineman, or acquiring enough picks to package together to go after a few need positions would probably be worth listening to. In this case, I look less at that tasty No. 3 overall pick and more at No. 34 (and then some) … though you’ve got to at least ask, right?!”
The Athletic on New York Giants’ trade cost for Matthew Stafford
Duggan: “The Rams definitely need to ask about No. 3, and the Giants definitely need to hang up the phone. No. 34 is where the conversation gets interesting. I don’t know how the Rams make the trade if they can’t get that second-round pick (plus more). Pick No. 34 would be a steep price to pay, but I don’t think a Giants offer will be taken seriously without their second-rounder. How much more they have to give up will depend on a combination of their level of desperation and the competition for Stafford.”
While parting with a first-round pick seems out of the question for any team in desperate need of a quarterback, the Giants could have the advantage of having such a high second-round pick to offer.
Yet, would Stafford want to join a Giants team that may be a year or two away from competing? With his arm, he might just have the confidence to help lead a quick turnaround that ends in yet another postseason appearance.
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