Giants Team Notes

[New York Giants]

2 Giants listed among CBS Sports' top 100 impending free agents

NFL free agency begins in less than one month (March 12) and it’s time to get serious about which players will end up where.

The New York Giants have approximately $50 million in available salary cap space to spend on players this offseason.

It’s anyone’s guess how general manager Joe Schoen plans on allocating that resource. If last year’s performance in free agency tells us anything, they’re not likely to retain their top two free agents — linebacker Azeez Ojulari and wide receiver Darius Slayton — come next month.

In Pete Prisco of CBS Sports’ most recent rankings of this year’s Top 100 available free agents, Ojualri ranked 48th and Slayton 67th.

Ojulari is a talented pass rusher, but he’s been hurt more often than not. After appearing in all 17 games as a rookie in 2021, where he set a franchise record for sacks by a rookie (8.0), Ojulari has appeared in just 29 of a possible 51 games for Big Blue.

Ojulari has 22 sacks in 46 games, so there is a lot to like. But injuries have limited him over his career. He is just 25 years old, so there should be a market for a speedy edge player.

If the Giants can get him back at a discount, they might think about it. That’s doubtful, though. A lot could also hinge on their plans for Kayvon Thibodeaux, whose fifth-year option is up this spring.

Slayton has been very good with the Giants but has never quite worked his way into the upper echelon of NFL receivers. Again, he works well with the younger core of wideouts in the room and is highly regarded both on and off the field.

Slayton is a speed receiver, and we know a lot of teams need help in that area. Slayton’s numbers were down last season, his sixth with the Giants, but that had a lot do with Malik Nabers showing up, along with bad quarterback play. He’d be a nice third receiver for a team. He just turned 28, so he’s two years away from the dreaded age of 30.

The question again is price. The Giants aren’t likely to get into a bidding war for either Slayton or Ojulari. Schoen did not draft either player and likely has no allegiance or investment in either.

Related​

Could Eli Manning join group that buys minority stake in Giants?​

Colin Cowherd fuels Giants-Rams trade rumors with new theory​

Giants exploring sale of minority stake in the team​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...ong-cbs-sports-top-100-impending-free-agents/

 

[New York Giants]

Colin Cowherd fuels Giants-Rams trade rumors with new theory

FOX Sports host Colin Cowherd claims to keep an ear to the ground and sometimes hears things, and his latest theory will only fuel trade rumors involving the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams.

Cowherd claims he’s heard from a source that the Rams are seeking the No. 3 overall pick from the Giants in exchange for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Matthew Stafford to the Giants. Aaron Rodgers to the Rams. Hear @ColinCowherd out…

"I made a couple of calls yesterday and a couple of texts this morning. I'm going to propose something." pic.twitter.com/hErnIPvD0U

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) February 13, 2025

“What the Rams want, I am told, they want the Giants’ first-round pick at No. 3,” he said. “So they probably want a first, a second, a first, a third, but you’ve got to pay Stafford if you’re the Giants. You have to give him a new deal. They’ll probably get a first and a fourth, but let’s just talk about that No. 3 pick. The Rams want that No. 3 pick in the draft because they’re drafting way later. They want to take that pick, move down, and get more picks. Why? So they have extra picks next year when they have to move up to get a quarterback.”

The Rams can ask for the moon and the stars, but they’re not going to get it. Trading the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft for a 37-year-old quarterback would be a friable offense for general manager Joe Schoen, especially if Stafford would then require a new contract.

Still, Cowherd doubled down.

“This sounds crazy, the Matt Stafford to the Giants thing is real, I’m told. I’m told they like Matt Stafford, but he’s old. … Rams want inexpensive, rental quarterback for one year,” he said.

It’s likely that the Giants and Rams are talking. It may also be likely that Los Angeles started negotiations with an unrealistic request. But the Giants are not a quarterback away from Super Bowl contention and Stafford wouldn’t even be considered a long-term option, so if the No. 3 overall pick is the sticking point, this trade won’t happen.

Related​

Giants exploring sale of minority stake in the team​

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Jaguars expected to meet with Giants' Brandon Brown via Zoom​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...nts-los-angeles-rams-trade-rumors-new-theory/

 

[New York Giants]

Antonio Gates offers Eli Manning advice after Hall of Fame snub

Earlier this month, retired New York Giants legend Eli Manning was passed over for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

The great tight end Antonio Gates, who was elected to Canton this time around after being bypassed last year, has some solid advice for Eli on how to handle the disappointment.

From TMZ Sports:

The legendary Charger — who was inducted into the 2025 class last week after being snubbed for the 2024 one just 12 months ago — told TMZ Sports out at the Super Bowl in New Orleans that while he’s sure Eli’s feeling heartbreak right now … the former signal-caller just needs to stay positive.

Gates told us that after he was shockingly barred from getting a bust in Canton … he headed into the ensuing year focused on being “the best version of me” — and he thinks that attitude helped him get in this go-around.

It looks like Eli may already be handling the snub with dignity and class. And why wouldn’t he? He’s never shown anything but in his life.

“I had a feeling it wasn’t going to be my night, and I understand that,” Manning said in an appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football.

“I’m totally at peace. It’s not gonna change my outlook on my career and how I feel about it,” he said, per USA Today’s Jacob Camenker.

In his first interaction with TMZ after the Hall of Fame announced their 2025 class, Eli was cool. He was on his way to continue his busy, lucrative life.

“Life’s good,” he said. “I’m happy for the guys who got in. I feel like I was part of the moment because Jared Allen got in and he sacked me so many times I feel like I helped him get in. So, I feel like you have to be happy about that.”

Next year Eli will get another shot at enshrinement. He’ll be up against a tough new group that includes Larry Fitzgerald, Drew Brees, and Jason Witten, so there are no guarantees.

Related​

2 Giants listed among CBS Sports' top 100 impending free agents​

Could Eli Manning join group that buys minority stake in Giants?​

Colin Cowherd fuels Giants-Rams trade rumors with new theory​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...ants-eli-manning-advice-after-hall-fame-snub/

 

[New York Giants]

Giants exploring sale of minority stake in the team

The New York Giants are officially up for sale… Or at least a limited stake in the team is.

On Thursday night, a Sports Business Journal report surfaced suggesting the Giants would look to sell up to a 10 percent stake in the team which the organization later confirmed.

The Giants are looking to sell up to 10 percent of the team, sources say, a process likely to set a new high-water mark for an NFL team valuation. The century-old club, one of the most valuable sports teams in the world, has hired Moelis & Co. as its banker.

The team will not sell a majority stake or cede control, which has rested with current President John Mara or his family since his grandfather, Tim Mara, founded the team in 1925, sources said. Since 1991, the Tisch and Mara families have each owned 50% of the club, with a large roster of individual family members holding small stakes. Their precise reason for exploring an LP sale is not known, but the NFL allowed private equity firms to buy up to 10% of teams under a new policy approved last August.

“The Mara and Tisch families have retained Moelis & Company to explore the potential sale of a minority, non-controlling stake in the New York Giants,” the team told the New York Post. “There will be no further comment in regard to the process.”

Exploratory calls to potential suitors have already begun.

Tim Mara purchased the Giants for just $500 in 1925, while Bob Tisch purchased a 50 percent stake for $75 million in 1991. Splitting and selling a 10 percent stake here in 2025 is likely to reset the market on franchise equity valuations.

In December, the now-Super Bowl champion Eagles sold 8% percent to two wealthy families in deals valuing the club at $8.1 billion and $8.3 billion, respectively. Experts believe the Giants’ valuation will beat those numbers based on the size of the New York City market alone (roughly 19.5 million in NYC versus 6.2 million in Philadelphia).

Forbes recently estimated the Giants’ value at $7.3 billion, while CNBC estimated their value at $7.85 billion. At the time of the Eagles’ sale, Forbes had them valued at $6.6 billion with CNBC valuing them at $7 billion.

The issue facing the Giants as they prepare to sell a minority stake is that they are no longer a member of the league’s elite. The once proud franchise has floundered over the past decade-plus and is now considered one of the worst teams in football.

Related​

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Ex-Giant Saquon Barkley defends Taylor Swift after she was booed at Super Bowl​

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Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...cially-put-limited-stake-in-team-up-for-sale/

 

[New York Giants]

Justin Pugh responds to Giants exploring minority ownership sale

This week, the New York Giants confirmed they were exploring the idea of selling off as much as 10 percent of the franchise.

This was something that the Giants ownership group, which consists of a 50-50 split between the Mara and Tisch families, would never have considered until recently.

Last year, the NFL voted to allow teams to sell off stakes of their teams to private equity firms in deals up to 10 percent of their valuation.

The Giants were last valued at $7.3 billion by Forbes, the fourth-highest in the NFL behind the Dallas Cowboys ($10.1 billion), Los Angeles Rams ($7.6 billion), and New England Patriots ($7.4 billion).

The Giants’ recent nosedive into the league’s cellar has no real bearing on the team’s value as it’s based on marketplace, stadium deals, branding, and potential revenues.

Former Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh reminded everyone that the Giants are still one of America’s most recognized and valued sports franchises.

All of Manhattan lined up today with checks in hand.

You can say what you want about W/L’s lately but the Giants are still the Giants. New York is still New York. Everyone will want a piece of this organization. https://t.co/mZOjzfSGIs

— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) February 14, 2025

10 percent of the Giants would yield an approximate $730 million cash boon to the Mara and Tisch families without relinquishing any control of the organization. Hard to not explore such an option.

Related​

Giants finished 2024 regular season with one of NFL's worst tacking grades​

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Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...ork-giants-exploring-minority-ownership-sale/

 

[New York Giants]

Giants finished 2024 regular season with one of NFL's worst tacking grades

The New York Giants have a lot to work on during the offseason. They need a quarterback, they need receivers that can (and will) catch the ball to help Malik Nabers, they need an offensive line that actually protects the quarterback, and they need defensive players who actually make tackles.

Before the 2024 season started, Next Gen Stats and Amazon Web Services collaborated on a new artificial intelligence model designed to estimate all 11 defenders’ chances of making a tackle every tenth second of every play from scrimmage. They called this Tackle Probability.

Using this model, metrics were tracked and they have now assigned grades to all 32 teams’ tackling ability.

The Giants ranked 25th overall, among the league’s worst.

GRADE: 68.7 (D+)

The Giants’ defensive struggles in 2024 weren’t limited to just one area, but tackling was a clear issue. Though their 13.3% missed tackle rate hovered right around the league average (13%), the real problem was the damage those whiffs created.

New York was just one of six teams to give up over 1,000 yards after missed tackles, finishing with the fourth-highest total in the league (1,081) and the second-highest average per miss (6.3). Rookie third-round cornerback Andru Phillips had a rough introduction to the NFL in that regard, accounting for 167 yards gained after missed tackles — more than all but two corners across the league.

It’s no secret that the Giants’ defense was atrocious at times in 2024, and the metrics support what we all saw.

This is one area the Giants must have a huge focus on during the offseason. The offense has to be better, but they won’t win any games without improving their defense.

Related​

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Could Giants spend big money on brother of their former third-round pick?​

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Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...-regular-season-one-nfl-worst-tacking-grades/

 

[New York Giants]

See it: Saquon Barkley again proves why Giants were wrong to let him walk

Throughout the 2024 season, Saquon Barkley proved time and again that the New York Giants should have made a bigger effort to retain him.

Forget his record-breaking season — although that was a huge kick in the mouth — Barkley is genuinely a good human being.

If you know anything about Barkley, you know he’s a man of the people. He’s down-to-earth and friendly, was a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in 2022, and would give someone the shirt off his back if they needed it.

At the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl parade on Friday, he showed the world once again what kind of person he is. Twice.

Saquon Barkley saw the Eagles ball boy in the crowd and pulled him over the fence to join them in the parade.

Every time you think he can’t be any better, he shows you he can. pic.twitter.com/gufgVcvMzI

— Sam Stafford (Wilson) (@SamStafff) February 14, 2025

The first example shows Barkley recognizing someone in the crowd and hugging him. It was one of the ball boys, so Saquon pulled him over the barricade and had him join the parade.

Three year old Lucy Bannon was standing along Broad Street with her grandma, Tracy, when Saquon Barkley walked by.

He saw their sign, picked Lucy up, and took photos for about 20 seconds.

“I couldn’t believe it was happening,” said her father, Charlie. https://t.co/zRNK4JNjBa pic.twitter.com/iv106e6ZN4

— Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) February 14, 2025

The second video shows Barkley picking up a toddler who’s holding a sign. It’s her birthday and Saquon posed for photos with her, shocking her family.

In 2024, Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns. He broke the record for the most yards rushing in a single season, including the postseason, needing just 30 yards in the Super Bowl game to do it.

Not only is Barkley a really good football player, but he’s a really good human, too.

Related​

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Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...-why-new-york-giants-were-wrong-let-him-walk/

 

[New York Giants]

Could Giants spend big money on brother of their former third-round pick?

Last March in NFL free agency, the New York Giants were active but did not sign any players to what could be called mega contracts — deals that are worth $20 million or more.

This year could be different. With an estimated $50 million in available salary cap space, they could be major players for some of this year’s most coveted free agents.

Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team believes Giants general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll could be major players for three unrestricted free agents that will be warranting mega deals this offseason.

The first, naturally, is Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, who could end up getting a three-year, $120 million deal. He will likely also garner interest from the Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans.

The best landing spot would be with a veteran coach and a roster full of talent on the offensive side of the ball, but considering he hasn’t earned a big payday yet in the NFL, the money could ultimately dictate where he lands.

The question is, will Schoen and Daboll think Darnold is worth $40 million per year? They just got burned by a $40 million quarterback deal and may not have the appetite to take another big bite.

The second is Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who Mosher predicts could earn over $20 million per year in a new deal. The Giants are familiar with Odighizuwa having drafted his brother, Owa, who was a third-round pick of theirs back in 2015.

Osa led all interior defenders in quarterback hits this season and is a force as a pass rusher despite less-than-stellar sack totals. He is on the smaller side for a defensive tackle, but teams prioritizing pass-rush ability and durability will fall in love with Odighizwua this offseason.

The Giants are seeking help along the defensive line around All-Pro Dexter Lawrence but Odighizuwa might be a little pricey for them as they have so many other needs.

The third player the Giants could be in play for is Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy, who Mosher projects will warrant a three-year, $50 million deal.

Cornerback is another spot that lacks depth in free agency, but Byron Murphy could benefit from that in a big way this offseason. Murphy had a career-high six interceptions with the Vikings this season, playing on the outside and in the slot.

Murphy has dealt with some injuries in the past, but he has 79 career starts in six seasons, and he just turned 27. The fact that he has this much experience but is still this young bodes well for his chances in free agency.

The Giants need help along the exterior in their secondary after watching former first-round pick Deonte Banks underperform in his second season. Murphy could add both maturity and stability to a young defensive backfield.

Related​

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Giants signing two former Chiefs to reserve/futures contracts​

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Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...their-former-third-round-pick-osa-odighizuwa/

 

[New York Giants]

NFL insider: 'Zero chance' Giants trade No. 3 pick for Matthew Stafford

As the New York Giants enter yet another crucial offseason under the current regime led by general manager Joe Schoen, their top priority is finding their next quarterback.

Although many expect them to find their long-term solution in the 2025 NFL draft, Schoen has not ruled out the possibility of trading for a veteran quarterback.

Recently, the Giants have been linked to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. There are conflicting reports, but some feel that the Rams would want the Giants’ first-round pick (No. 3 overall) in return.

However, ESPN insider Adam Schefter does not believe there is any chance the Giants would surrender the third overall pick in a deal for Stafford.

“Let me be very clear: That pick is not in the conversation if Matthew Stafford and the Rams can’t get a deal worked out — and if Matthew Stafford becomes available and all of a sudden the Giants surface as a contender,” Schefter told the New York Daily News.

“If all those things happen … there is no way in hell that the Giants are giving up the third overall pick for Matthew Stafford. Zero. Zero.”

The deal could be more costly if the potential trade also included wideout Cooper Kupp. Yet, even then, the Giants would be sacrificing a lot to acquire the 37-year-old quarterback.

Given his age, Stafford would be a short-term, two-to-three-year solution at quarterback. He would likely serve as a bridge to the next quarterback, who could still be taken in in the upcoming draft (see: signing Kurt Warner before the 2004 NFL draft).

The added roadblock is that Stafford desires a new contract.

Still, Pat Leonard cites a league source who says “yes,” Stafford would be open to playing for the Giants.

Related​

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Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...-no-3-pick-los-angeles-rams-matthew-stafford/

 

[New York Giants]

Giants signing two former Chiefs to reserve/futures contracts

The New York Giants have been relatively quiet in the personnel department since the end of their season, but that changed entering the weekend with two signings.

JL Sports has announced that two of their clients, cornerback Nic Jones and wide receiver Montrell Washington, are signing reserve/futures deals with the Giants.

Couple futures contract signings from the Chiefs' practice squad. CB Nic Jones, a 2023 seventh-round pick, appeared in 10 games for the Chiefs over the past two seasons. WR Montrell Washington, a 2022 fifth-round pick, spent the past two seasons on KC's P-squad https://t.co/YCwUwWqy1p

— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) February 14, 2025

Washington was a fifth-round pick of the Denver Broncos in the 2022 NFL draft and has spent each of the past two seasons on the Chiefs’ practice squad.

The highly decorated college athlete has appeared in 22 career games, recording four receptions for two yards and gaining 30 yards on five carries. He’s also seen significant time on special teams, returning 40 punts for 332 yards and 20 kickoffs for 374 yards.

Washington, 25, does have an issue with fumbling, putting five balls on the ground over his short career.

The 23-year-old Jones was the Chiefs’ seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. He has appeared in 10 career games, recording four tackles (one for a loss) and one quarterback hit.

Like Washington, Jones also plays special teams.

Related​

Antonio Gates offers Eli Manning advice after Hall of Fame snub​

2 Giants listed among CBS Sports' top 100 impending free agents​

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Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...-two-former-chiefs-reserve-futures-contracts/

 

[New York Giants]

Giants' Brandon Brown not a finalist for Jaguars general manager job

The Jacksonville Jaguars completed an interview with New York Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown for their vacant GM job earlier this week, but there will be no follow-up.

On Saturday, the Jaguars announced that they would move forward with a second round of interviews for five candidates and Brown was not among them.

pic.twitter.com/iMzqfL2SYd

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 15, 2025

In addition to his interview with the Jaguars, Brown also received both a virtual and in-person interview with the Las Vegas Raiders, the most recent of the two coming in late January.

It’s the second consecutive cycle in which Brown was considered a finalist (Raiders) but failed to land a job.

Last year, Brown interviewed with the Los Angeles Chargers and Carolina Panthers but was ultimately passed over.

Current Giants general manager Joe Schoen signed Brown away from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 after he had spent five seasons with the team, serving in multiple roles, including director of pro scouting and director of player personnel.

Related​

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Aaron Rodgers 'will not be high' on Giants' target list in free agency​

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Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...ist-jacksonville-jaguars-general-manager-job/

 

[New York Giants]

Giants 'strongly leaning toward' exercising Kayvon Thibodeaux's fifth-year option

The New York Giants have two very important decisions to make when it comes to their 2022 first-round draft picks, outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux and offensive tackle Evan Neal.

Both players’ fifth-year options are on the table this offseason (the deadline is May 1) and the Giants aren’t likely to extend Neal, a seventh-overall pick who has been a disappointment, but will likely exercise Thibodeaux’s.

“The Giants are strongly leaning toward picking up his fifth-year option,” the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz writes of Thibodeaux, the fifth overall pick in 2022 out of Oregon.

That decision must be made by May 1. If they do pick it up, Thibodeaux is guaranteed $16.1 million for the 2026 season.

Former Giants executive Marc Ross, now an NFL Network studio analyst, also believes the Giants will pick up Thibodeaux’s option.

Thibodeaux hasn’t quite had the production Big Blue envisioned, but injuries (he missed games as a rookie and in 2024) have certainly played a part in that. His best season undoubtedly occurred in 2023, when he logged 11.5 sacks, four passes defensed and three forced fumbles. He’s certainly done enough for New York to exercise the fifth-year option. I’d imagine the organization wants to keep the dominant defensive line trio of Thibodeaux, Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence intact.

Thibodeaux was Joe Schoen’s first draft pick as Giants general manager. He has some credibility and accountability here to consider. What does it say about his ability to judge talent if he doesn’t pick up the options on both of his top 10 picks from 2022?

Related​

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Report: Giants view Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss as QB3 in 2025 NFL draft​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...ercising-kayvon-thibodeaux-fifth-year-option/

 

[New York Giants]

2025 NFL draft: Giants view two-way star Travis Hunter as a cornerback

The New York Giants hold the third overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft and many believe they could vie for an impact player over one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s class.

One player that fits that “unique” and “impact” label is Colorado’s two-way stud Travis Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, who is set to put his talents on display at next week’s NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Hunter has been listed as a defensive back by the league for the scouting combine but it’s pretty clear that he might be a star on both sides of the football.

The Giants, however, are considering Hunter as a cornerback, reports Paul Schwartz of the New York Post.

Two-way college star Travis Hunter is being viewed as a cornerback by the Giants. Hunter was a phenom at Colorado on both offense and defense, and is considered at or near the top of the list as a cornerback and wide receiver. His ball skills at corner are off the charts, and he could at times be used on offense on special or gadget plays. Hunter is skinny — 183 pounds — and needs to add some muscle to his frame. Having him go both ways in the NFL is not feasible because of the high risk of injury and the inability to practice both positions each week.

Hunter will fill multiple needs for the Giants, who are thin at cornerback and had questions raised about the development of former first-round pick Deonte Banks last season.

As for quarterback, general manager Joe Schoen has hinted he’ll be scouring all avenues — trade, free agency, and the draft — to build up his quarterback room.

If Hunter wows at the Combine next week, the Giants could be in the driver’s seat for his services, or at least one of the top quarterbacks — Cam Ward of Miami and Shedeur Sanders of Colorado.

They could also leverage the pick by trading down to accumulate more draft capital and still land someone like Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Related​

Are Giants concerned with Shedeur Sanders' ecosystem?​

Giants' Brandon Brown not a finalist for Jaguars general manager job​

Report: Giants view Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss as QB3 in 2025 NFL draft​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...s-view-two-way-star-travis-hunter-cornerback/

 

[New York Giants]

Are Giants concerned with Shedeur Sanders' ecosystem?

Throughout the season, the New York Giants scouted Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders extensively. They also met with him at the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl and that will continue during the lead-up to the 2025 NFL draft.

Sanders recently revealed that one of his first top-30 visits will come with the Giants in East Rutherford. The only other visit currently on his schedule is with the Cleveland Browns, but that’s a slate that will certainly fill up.

Given their need for a quarterback and their pick location (No. 3 overall), it makes sense that the Giants would have their eyes on Sanders. However, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post indicates there could be a lingering concern that has nothing to do with his on-field ability.

There is no doubt the Giants are intrigued with Shedeur Sanders. They will explore the dynamic with his famous father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. There is a concern that Shedeur has been coached by his father since high school, and the Giants saw firsthand the video-centric, everything-gets-documented ecosystem created at Colorado and the spotlight that both father and son seem to crave.

If, for instance, the Giants lose their first two games with Shedeur as the rookie starter, does Deion send missives from Boulder questioning the offensive line or a dropped pass or the play calling? This all has to be explored as deeply as possible.

Craving the spotlight isn’t the worst trait for a quarterback coming to New York if it can be managed. Winning in the largest media market can turn a superstar into a legend but as we’ve seen over the years, losing creates an entirely different animal.

Couple that with the Giants’ embarrassing failure on “Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants,” and it wouldn’t come as a surprise that they want to shy away from the “bare it all” approach to football both Deion Sanders and Shedeur Sanders have taken.

The Giants aren’t a quarterback away from winning, so early struggles are a near guarantee. How would Shedeur handle that? How would Deion handle that?

Those are legitimate questions and concerns that general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll must consider.

Related​

Giants' Brandon Brown not a finalist for Jaguars general manager job​

Report: Giants view Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss as QB3 in 2025 NFL draft​

Aaron Rodgers 'will not be high' on Giants' target list in free agency​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...nts-concerned-with-shedeur-sanders-ecosystem/

 

[New York Giants]

Report: Giants view Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss as QB3 in 2025 NFL draft

Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders are widely considered the top two quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL draft, but who fills out the next tier?

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe appeared to have a stranglehold on the QB3 spot until the 2025 Senior Bowl when Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss caught the attention of general managers, scouts, and analysts.

With the NFL Combine still to come, Dart now appears to be the best option behind Ward and Sanders, which is apparently how the New York Giants view things.

From Paul Schwartz of the New York Post:

It is believed the Giants at this point view Jaxson Dart as the No. 3 quarterback in this class. There are questions as to how the offense he directed at Ole Miss prepared Dart for the NFL, as it has been described as something of a 7-on-7 passing attack.

Dart has already earned an endorsement from Giants legend Eli Manning, who may be a bit biased due to his Ole Miss ties.

“I like Jaxson Dart,” Manning said. “I’ve probably watched him more than anybody, just from watching Ole Miss games. I’ve been around him and (he’s) been a great kid, been in the same offense for three years and been successful. Seen him grow and progress and seems to be able to make all the throws.”

Meanwhile, Dart was quoted as saying it would be a “smooth transition” if he were selected by the Giants.

If both Ward and Sanders are gone when the Giants are put on the clock at No. 3 overall, it seems unlikely they would use that pick on Dart. He may have catapulted himself into the first-round conversation but it would be an undeniable overdraft.

The Giants could trade back and accumulate more draft assets in an attempt to target Dart, or they could hold their breath and hope he falls to No. 34 overall.

Related​

Aaron Rodgers 'will not be high' on Giants' target list in free agency​

Report: Protests made Giants' John Mara determined not to bow to mob mentality​

Could Giants spend big money on brother of their former third-round pick?​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...view-jaxson-dart-ole-miss-qb3-2025-nfl-draft/

 

[New York Giants]

Aaron Rodgers 'will not be high' on Giants' target list in free agency

After pleading for his job and failing, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to be released by the New York Jets in the near future. Thus ends their odd two-year relationship.

The 41-year-old Rodgers will be thrust back into the free agent market where teams like the New York Giants will be window shopping.

The Giants need to add multiple quarterbacks this offseason and expectations are that they’ll sign a veteran in free agency and then select a rookie in the 2025 NFL draft.

Speculation has already begun that Rodgers might be of interest to the Giants, but Paul Schwartz of the New York Post suggests pumping the brakes on that line of thinking.

There will be plenty of smoke about the Giants looking for a veteran quarterback in free agency, and in this case much of it will be, if not totally true, probably not blatantly false. They will sign someone.

Exploring a trade for Matthew Stafford should not be ruled out. The Giants are not expecting to uncover a gem the way the Vikings did with Sam Darnold because that scenario is very much the exception. As for Aaron Rodgers, never say never but he will not be high on the list.

In 2024, Rodgers played in all 17 games for the Jets, completing 368 of his 584 pass attempts for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also rushed 22 times for 107 rushing yards.

While the numbers are solid, Rodgers appeared to have very little impact on the outcome each week. His QBR (48.0) was among the lowest in the league, while his 77.8 Pro Football Focus highlights a sharp decline for the future Hall of Famer.

Related​

Report: Protests made Giants' John Mara determined not to bow to mob mentality​

Justin Pugh responds to Giants exploring minority ownership sale​

Could Giants spend big money on brother of their former third-round pick?​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...high-new-york-giants-target-list-free-agency/

 

[New York Giants]

Report: Protests made Giants' John Mara determined not to bow to mob mentality

If fans of the New York Giants wanted a regime change this offseason, they apparently went about it the wrong way.

Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reports that Giants co-owner John Mara was determined not to bow to mob mentality after back-to-back weeks of intense fan protest, which included chartering multiple planes that flew critical banners.

It was not money well spent. Mara was completely unmoved by the aerial displays and was not at all intimidated by the messaging. If anything, it made him more determined not to bow to mob mentality pressure to get rid of general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.

Before a Week 14 loss to the New Orleans Saints, the first plane circled MetLife Stadium with a banner reading, “Mr. Mara, enough. Please fix this dumpster fire!”

Fans also loudly cheered a game-ending blocked field goal in a loss to the Saints that week, which was just the start of things to come.

Ahead of a Week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens, a different fan chartered a second plane. This time, the banner read, “Mr. Mara Enough — We won’t stop until you fire everyone!”

There were at least three protests scheduled for the team’s Week 17 game against the Indianapolis Colts but inclement weather, high winds, and a low ceiling grounded all the planes.

In Week 18, the banners returned, this time in the city of Philadelphia where a plane carried the message, “TY NY for No. 26.”

Despite the very public outcry, there was reportedly a silent swell of support for both general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll that hit Mara’s desk in East Rutherford.

Mara, though, certainly does not turn a deaf ear to the wishes and concerns of the fans. He reads what is sent to him and often replies. Most of the letters were in favor of cleaning house — firing Schoen and Daboll — but there was surprising support for bringing them both back.

In the end, the protests did nothing. Mara expressed his frustration with the team’s futility but ultimately decided to run things back with Schoen and Daboll.

Related​

Justin Pugh responds to Giants exploring minority ownership sale​

Giants finished 2024 regular season with one of NFL's worst tacking grades​

See it: Saquon Barkley again proves why Giants were wrong to let him walk​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...s-john-mara-determined-not-bow-mob-mentality/

 

[New York Giants]

Was Giants CB Deonte Banks responsible for Jerome Henderson's firing?

The New York Giants made precious few coaching staff changes this offseason despite finishing with a 3-14 record in 2024. But among them was a surprise: The termination of defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson.

A long-time assistant and former player, Henderson is respected around the league and appeared to have a strong working relationship with head coach Brian Daboll.

That alone is noteworthy given Daboll’s relationship history with members of his staff but in the end, it wasn’t enough to save Henderson’s job.

Paul Schwartz of the New York Post reports that, like offensive line coach Bobby Johnson last year, Henderson got the ax over his failure to develop young players.

In this case, specifically cornerback Deonte Banks.

There was no personality conflict whatsoever that caused the firing of defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson. This was similar to the dismissal of offensive line coach Bobby Johnson after the 2023 season. It is an attempt to bring in a different voice to a position group. Johnson was close with Daboll but was not able to develop young players Evan Neal and Josh Ezeudu. Likewise, Henderson did not reach Deonte Banks, as the 2023 first-round pick regressed in his second season.

In Henderson’s place, the Giants hired Marquand Manuel, whose hard-nosed style is something they hope corrals Banks.

Newly hired Marquand Manuel figures to be more of an emotional, in-your-face presence around Banks. Do not let anyone tell you that “coach-killer” is not a real thing.

When draft picks fail or regress, someone has to take the fall. General manager Joe Schoen and Daboll have survived thus far, while Johnson and Henderson have not.

Related​

Giants are 'scouring the landscape' for their next franchise QB​

Retired NFL MVP warns Giants about QB Matthew Stafford​

Giants 'strongly leaning toward' exercising Kayvon Thibodeaux's fifth-year option​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...te-banks-responsible-jerome-henderson-firing/

 

[New York Giants]

Giants are 'scouring the landscape' for their next franchise QB

The New York Giants are very obviously in need of a quarterback (or two) this offseason and have made it clear that will be their primary objective.

“That’s obviously the number one issue for us going into this offseason, is to find our quarterback of the future,” co-owner John Mara said at his year-end press conference. “Whether that be via the draft or acquiring a veteran, it’s going to be up to (general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll) to decide, ultimately.”

Schoen left the door open to acquiring a quarterback in a variety of ways: Free agency, a trade, and the 2025 NFL draft.

“It’s the most important position in football,” Schoen said. “So, that’s definitely important to any team in the NFL’s success. So, that’s something we’ll definitely be looking at.”

Staying true to their word, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports that the Giants have invested extensive resources into every possible avenue available to them in order to identify their next franchise quarterback.

It’s no secret the Giants are scouring the landscape for their future franchise quarterback. One NFL executive said general manager Joe Schoen made it obvious at the Senior Bowl that was his focus.

Not only have the Giants heavily scouted the quarterback prospects ahead of April’s draft — something that will continue at the NFL Combine — they’ve also been linked to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, as well as several other impending free agents.

Thus far, the smoke has largely surrounded Stafford and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders but it’s important to remember that it’s lying season in the NFL. Rumors and speculation will continue to run rampant until free agency on March 12 when a clearer picture comes into focus.

Related​

Retired NFL MVP warns Giants about QB Matthew Stafford​

Giants 'strongly leaning toward' exercising Kayvon Thibodeaux's fifth-year option​

2025 NFL draft: Giants view two-way star Travis Hunter as a cornerback​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...g-landscape-their-next-franchise-quarterback/

 

[New York Giants]

Retired NFL MVP warns Giants about QB Matthew Stafford

The New York Giants desperately need an upgrade at the quarterback position.

As fate would have it, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is seeking a contract extension with the Los Angeles Rams, but if they can’t reach a deal, Stafford could be on the trading block.

While bringing in a guy like Stafford might seem enticing to Giants fans, retired NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason says the Giants should exercise caution.

“It’s great, and I know the guys want to win and he’s a great player. But he’s a 37-year-old quarterback looking for a contract extension,” he said on WFAN. “Does it really make sense?”

After spending his first 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions, Stafford was traded to the Rams in one of the biggest shakeups in Lions’ history. Stafford led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in his first season and has reached the playoffs in two of the other three seasons he’s been with the team.

However, Stafford will cost a pretty penny, and his age makes him a risk.

“He’s a really good player, but you’re going down the road of a 37-year-old quarterback paying him north of $40 million a year, which is what it’s gonna take,” Boomer said.

“To me, as much as I understand why the Giants would consider it if they are indeed considering it…you’re talking about older players and paying them a lot of money.”

The Giants’ cap space is limited, so Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll will have to evaluate the risks and benefits of bringing in a guy like Stafford, and whether they want to try and afford him or put those efforts into other positions.

Related​

Giants 'strongly leaning toward' exercising Kayvon Thibodeaux's fifth-year option​

2025 NFL draft: Giants view two-way star Travis Hunter as a cornerback​

Are Giants concerned with Shedeur Sanders' ecosystem?​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...warns-new-york-giants-about-matthew-stafford/