Giants Team Notes

[New York Giants]

NFL analyst: Cam Ward 'more equipped' to play QB for Giants

If the New York Giants have their pick of quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft, who would be the best fit?

That’s a debate that’s raged among Giants fans for the past month and a fair question considering the likelihood that general manager Joe Schoen drafts one.

So, would it be Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders?

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah was asked that very question during a conference call with reporters on Thursday.

“I like Shedeur. I think Shedeur is — when you look at the things he does really well, the accuracy, anticipation, toughness, he just keeps getting up after taking a beating,” he said. “But some of the other things that Cam has, (Sanders) doesn’t have, which is just a little bit more twitch in his body. He has a more live arm.

“I think (Ward) is more equipped to play in that division, in that stadium, in that environment that you’re going to get with weather. I think Shedeur makes more sense just as relying a little bit more as a touch thrower than a power thrower.”

Jeremiah believes Sanders’ qualities are better suited for a team like the Las Vegas Raiders or New Orleans Saints.

Meanwhile, Jeremiah left the door open to the Giants trading for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, which is why he had them passing on both Ward and Sanders in his most recent mock draft.

“I’m sitting here thinking, man, you talk about turning around some excitement here in that market, and you trot out there Week 1 and you have Matthew Stafford throwing the ball to Malik Nabers and looking at Travis Hunter on the opposite side of the ball, and who knows what else they can do with the money they have in free agency,” he said. “And is Cooper Kupp part of that? Is that a package deal with him and Stafford? So that was my mind, that was kind of where I was going in my fantasyland as we got to that mock draft.”

That comment is going to have Giants fans dreaming.

Related​

Report: Giants trade for Matthew Stafford 'will be explored'​

Ex-Giant Jon Feliciano announces retirement from football​

Shedeur Sanders is Giants' most-picked prospect in PFF's mock simulator​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...m-ward-more-equipped-play-qb-new-york-giants/

 

[New York Giants]

Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux plans to attack 2025 with a 'gold jacket' mentality

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen has a decision to make on Kayvon Thibodeaux in the coming weeks. Does he pick up the linebacker’s fifth-year option or does he risk losing him in free agency next year?

Schoen could go a different route and sign Thibodeaux to a long-term contract extension, but exercising his fifth-year option seems more likely.

Had Thibodeaux been more productive in 2024, perhaps an extension would have been a more logical route but that’s not the way the cookie crumbled.

“That’s the journey of life, man, you can’t dictate how life goes,” Thibodeaux told the New York Post. “I think there’s the old Giannis Antetokounmpo video where he talks about the past, I think that’s ego, you talk about the future, that’s pride. When you live in the moment, that’s humility. I think what humility actually is, it’s realizing that you’re human in this game of life. And understanding the only thing you can really do is just stay on your path.

“And the best thing I can do for myself is just continue to climb that mountain. Definitely not disappointed, definitely not sad or anything like that. Just super-energized and hungry for the continuous opportunities I’m blessed with, and hopefully I have enough clarity and understanding to maximize it.”

If the Giants were to pick up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option, it would pay him a guaranteed $16.1 million in 2026. It would also leave him as somewhat of a lame duck with an uncertain future and a mandate to play more impactful defensive football.

Although Thibodeaux would like more security, the prospect of remaining in New York for at least two more seasons is appealing to him.

“Super-excited man, love the Giants,” he said. “Obviously, I hope I can continue to be here. The future’s in their hands, obviously, but I’m super-excited. I think I’ve put decent film out. I won’t say it’s my best, I won’t say it’s my worst. But I know the ceiling is a lot higher.”

“Decent film” certainly isn’t enough and Thibodeaux understands that. And it’s why he intends to attack the 2025 season with vigor and determination.

“Super-excited for this year, regardless of what happens, I’m just going to keep putting my best foot forward and attacking that Gold Jacket and Super Bowl mentality,” he said.

If Thibodeaux does that, it will be good news for the Giants’ defense and his future bank account.

Related​

NFL analyst: Cam Ward 'more equipped' to play QB for Giants​

Report: Giants trade for Matthew Stafford 'will be explored'​

Ex-Giant Jon Feliciano announces retirement from football​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...eaux-plans-attack-2025-gold-jacket-mentality/

 

[New York Giants]

Report: Giants trade for Matthew Stafford 'will be explored'

It’s no secret the New York Giants’ top priority this offseason is to find a starting quarterback. Whether that is a veteran to act as a bridge to their next franchise quarterback or that franchise player themselves, expect Big Blue to be very aggressive, very early.

If the Giants can’t (or won’t) decide on this year’s top two quarterback prospects (Miami’s Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders of Colorado) with the third overall pick in the draft, they might opt to go the veteran route.

Many think they’ll resolve the situation well before the draft. If the Los Angeles Rams and Matthew Stafford can’t agree on a restructure of Stafford’s contract (which carries a $49.7 million cap hit for this season), they will have no choice but to seek a trade.

Enter the Giants. Dan Duggan of The Athletic says Stafford could be just the right fit for Big Bleu.

I can think of a certain team desperate for a quarterback with a GM and coach on the hot seat. The Giants’ rumored interest in Stafford makes perfect sense for this regime, especially if it’s not all-in on drafting a quarterback with the No. 3 pick (or earlier).

And if the deal does not include the third overall pick.

That would be where the Rams might start in their negotiations. The Giants would likely balk at that and suggest their second-round pick (No. 34 overall) combined with other picks in a package.

Paul Schwartz of The New York Post also believes the Giants would try to jump to the front of the line for Stafford’s services if he’s made available by the Rams.

The goal remains to find their franchise quarterback in the NFL Draft. But the Giants realize that might not be possible. And so, yes, a trade for Matthew Stafford will be explored – if the Rams make the 37-year old available. https://t.co/d0T8pcxd4s

— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) February 20, 2025

In the Eagles’ dominant playoff march and resounding victory over the Chiefs in Super Bowl 2025, it was Stafford and the Rams, in the snow in Philadelphia, who nearly ousted the Eagles in the NFC divisional round. Stafford — in his 16th NFL season, at age 37 — started 16 games in 2024 and showed signs of decline. He threw 20 touchdown passes and eight interceptions for a passer rating of 93.7. He does not run — 41 rushing yards all season — but he remains savvy and still has a howitzer right arm. The Rams offensive line was weak, and yet Stafford was sacked just 28 times, a credit to his ability to get rid of the ball.

The Giants believe they have a solid young offensive core for Stafford to work with — wide receivers Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson, tight end Theo Johnson, and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Related​

Ex-Giant Jon Feliciano announces retirement from football​

Shedeur Sanders is Giants' most-picked prospect in PFF's mock simulator​

2 Giants named to PFF's top 101 players from the 2024 NFL season​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...-trade-for-matthew-stafford-will-be-explored/

 

[New York Giants]

Colts hire ex-Giant Jerome Henderson as defensive backs coach

The New York Giants hired Jerome Henderson as their defensive backs coach in 2020, a position he retained for three years. In 2024, Henderson added the title of passing game coordinator to being a defensive backs coach.

After the Giants atrocious 2024 season, Henderson was fired.

Down but not out, Henderson interviewed with the Indianapolis Colts for the same position he held with the Giants. On Friday, reports confirmed that the Colts intend to move forward with hiring Henderson.

The #Colts are in fact set to hire Jerome Henderson as a defensive backs coach, sources tell me and @TomLoy247.

Henderson, who has worked in the NFL since 2006, was the Giants’ defensive pass game coordinator this past season. Interviewed for New York’s DC job last year.… https://t.co/dNid3mn6LY pic.twitter.com/9kIdFZ6cxM

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 21, 2025

After surviving Joe Judge, former Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said that Henderson was the best defensive backs coach in the league.

Henderson interviewed for the vacant defensive coordinator role upon Martindale’s departure. While he didn’t get the role, that’s when he earned the passing game coordinator title.

The Colts also hired former Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher as their linebackers coach.

Related​

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

Giants fire Jerome Henderson, Mike Treier; make other staff changes​

Giants will interview Jerome Henderson for vacant DC position​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...iants-jerome-henderson-defensive-backs-coach/

 

[New York Giants]

Giants select Bo Nix in 2024 NFL re-draft

The New York Giants head into this offseason in dire need of a quarterback and hope they can get one by any means necessary this spring.

They could have resolved the issue last year in the NFL draft, where they bypassed several quarterbacks at No. 6 overall.

The Giants opted to select LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, who went on to set an NFL record for receptions by a rookie wide receiver despite missing two games.

In his re-draft of the 2024 class, Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team has the Giants passing on Nabers in favor of Oregon quarterback Bo Nix.

Nabers had a fantastic rookie season, but the choice here couldn’t be any more obvious. The New York Giants need a franchise quarterback, and Nix did enough as a rookie to get people excited.

While he might not have the ceiling of (Drake) Maye or (Caleb) Williams, he’s a solid quarterback who would be a massive upgrade for New York.

Looking back, Giants general manager Joe Schoen wanted a quarterback but the top three prospects were all off the board by the time he was on the clock at No. 6.

Nix was considered a late first-round/early second-round pick but the Denver Broncos didn’t feel that way. They took Nix at No. 12.

In this re-draft, Nabers dropped all the way to No. 11 to the New York Jets.

Nabers was a finalist for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, which went to his former LSU teammate, Jayden Daniels, who went second overall to Washington.

Nix was also a finalist along with Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and Jacksonville wideout Brian Thomas Jr.

Nix landed in Denver, where he’ll be nurtured under the watchful eye of one of the best offensive minds in the NFL in Sean Payton. Had he been taken by the Giants, he would have walked into a messy situation and wouldn’t have had Malik Nabers to throw to.

But, the Giants would not be looking for their franchise quarterback this season in a thin draft and with few other options in free agency and the trade market.

Related​

Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux plans to attack 2025 with a 'gold jacket' mentality​

Report: Giants trade for Matthew Stafford 'will be explored'​

Ex-Giant Jon Feliciano announces retirement from football​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/22/new-york-giants-select-bo-nix-2024-nfl-re-draft/

 

[New York Giants]

Rams insider pours cold water on Giants-Matthew Stafford trade rumors

It’s the NFL offseason and rumors are swirling around the league regarding various high-profile players. Myles Garrett requested a trade, Cooper Kupp is up for grabs, players are slated to become free agents in just a few weeks and teams are setting up to make the moves they view as the best business decisions.

The New York Giants are no exception to that rule, so when rumors started that Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford might be on the trading block, hints were that he could end up in East Rutherford in 2025.

However, Rams insider Erin Coscarelli recently spoke to Big Blue View and poured some cold water on the notion that Stafford will end up with the Giants.

“Let’s say the Giants trade for Matthew Stafford. Well, the Jets experiment didn’t really work out very well,” Coscarelli said. “I’m not saying [Aaron] Rodgers is what Stafford is, but do I think the Giants are a Stafford away from a championship? No, not really. So, I don’t think it makes a whole lot of sense, but I think the Rams are always going to listen if a deal is put in front of them.

“Maybe they’ll be all ears. I just don’t think it’s going to end up happening with the Giants, and I don’t even know if Giants fans actually want that.”

On Friday, a day after Coscarelli’s comment, the Rams permitted Stafford to speak to other teams to discuss a potential contract extension post-trade.

The biggest issue here is that Stafford is 37 years old, the Giants have a poor offensive line, and they need more than a quarterback to get to the next level.

Stafford may not want that type of environment but if the Giants vow to bring Cooper Kupp along, who knows?

Related​

Report: Giants trade for Matthew Stafford 'will be explored'​

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

Giants listed among best fits for Rams QB Matthew Stafford​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...ew-york-giants-matthew-stafford-trade-rumors/

 

[New York Giants]

Giants offseason guide: Keys dates to mark on your calendar

The Super Bowl is over and football fans are jonesing for the next phase in the never-ending story that the NFL has become.

Do not fear, there is plenty on the horizon to hold your interest.

Next weekend, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, February 27: Defensive linemen and linebackers
• Friday, February 28: Defensive backs and tight ends
• Saturday, March 1: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs
• Sunday, March 2: Offensive linemen

The New York Giants will particularly be interested in Friday’s session as they are heavily in the market for a quarterback this offseason.

The day after the Combine, March 4, the deadline for clubs to designate franchise or transition players expires at 4:00 p.m. ET New York time.

The Giants are not expected to use either tag this season.

The league new year begins at 4:00 p.m. ET New York time on Wednesday, March 12. The salary cap will be set and all teams will be required to be under the number, which has not been formalized.

This week, the NFL announced the cap will be “somewhere between $277.5 million and $281.5 million.”

The Giants are expected to have approximately $53 million in available cap space to use on free agent deals and current player contract extensions.

The “legal tampering” period begins on Monday, March 10 at noon.

Clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2024 Player Contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 12.

Expect Giants general manager Joe Schoen to be very active once again in the free agent market. The Giants will be seeking help at quarterback, cornerback, interior defensive line, and even wide receiver.

More key dates:

• March 30-April 2: Annual League Meeting, Palm Beach, Florida. Rule changes and other major issues will be discussed.
• April 16: Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview, or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at its club facility.
• April 21: Offseason workout program can begin for teams with returning head coaches.
• April 23: Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview (including video and phone calls), or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at any location.
• April 24-26: NFL Draft, Green Bay

Other things to keep an eye on…

The NFL will announce the awarding of compensatory draft picks sometime during the first week of March.

The Giants could be active in the trade market. A rumored deal for a veteran starting quarterback could become a reality if, let’s say, the Los Angeles Rams and Matthew Stafford can’t come to an agreement on a restructured contract.

The Giants will also look to trim the fat on their own roster, restructuring contracts where they can and perhaps even letting some players go.

The Giants have until May 1 to exercise the fifth-year options on their two 2022 first-round picks, outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux and offensive tackle Evan Neal. They are expected to pick up Thibodeaux’s option.

Related​

Giants' Brian Daboll not scheduled to meet with reporters at NFL Combine​

Colts hire ex-Giant Jerome Henderson as defensive backs coach​

Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux plans to attack 2025 with a 'gold jacket' mentality​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...ffseason-guide-keys-dates-mark-your-calendar/

 

[New York Giants]

Could Cardinals offer QB Kyler Murray to Giants?

It’s well known that the New York Giants entered the offseason with the biggest question mark coming at the quarterback position. Many expect them to address the issue in the 2025 NFL draft, although general manager Joe Schoen has not ruled out trading for a veteran quarterback.

With significant quarterback movement expected this offseason, the Giants have been linked to just about everyone who may be available.

Fittingly, The 33rd Team recently listed five surprise players who could be traded this offseason. The list not only included Arizona Cardinals veteran quarterback Kyler Murray, but it also mentioned the Giants as a potential destination.

KYLER MURRAY, QB, ARIZONA CARDINALS

Kyler Murray would be considered more surprising than Stafford and Geno Smith. Arizona has shown no inclination to move Murray, but the timing of a trade now makes sense.

Turning 28 this summer and a season removed from a torn ACL, Murray remains a physically intriguing player who doesn’t affect winning in a significant way. He completed 68.8 percent of his passes for 3,851 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions last year and has almost a 2-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio for his career.

Being a dual-threat helps Murray bring more value. He’s averaged more than 500 yards and six touchdowns on the ground each season. Arizona still has Murray on its books for another four years and $29.9 million guaranteed, but he’ll be angling for more soon.

That looming new deal to get more guaranteed dollars is what could trigger an early trade. Does Arizona want to make Murray more than the 10th-highest-paid quarterback as he is now? If not, then calling the Jets, Giants, or Raiders could be the fastest way to sell high on Murray and help this regime revamp with a rookie in 2025 or 2026.

Unlike most of the veteran quarterbacks New York has been linked to, the 28-year-old Murray would provide them with a long-term solution at the position.

However, with Murray being much younger, the Cardinals quarterback would likely warrant a much bigger return — likely the third overall pick and much, much more.

Unlike the options of Matthew Stafford, Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson or any other older veteran, a trade for the younger Murray would undoubtedly take the Giants out of the quarterback market entirely.

Although it is unlikely that Murray is available, Schoen would be wise to at least explore the option and maybe put in a feeler call. Stranger things have happened.

Related​

Giants' Brian Daboll not scheduled to meet with reporters at NFL Combine​

Colts hire ex-Giant Jerome Henderson as defensive backs coach​

Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux plans to attack 2025 with a 'gold jacket' mentality​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...dinals-offer-qb-kyler-murray-new-york-giants/

 

[New York Giants]

Giants' Brian Daboll not scheduled to meet with reporters at NFL Combine

The 2025 NFL Combine will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana next week and the football world will have all eyes drawn on the events.

All 32 teams will be heavily represented as they get an up-close look at many of this year’s draft-eligible players.

Select NFL head coaches and general managers will be available to the media on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen will be available on Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. ET. Head coach Brian Daboll is not scheduled to participate in the media sessions.

GM & HC podium schedule for Indianapolis. pic.twitter.com/wrViqnU7QD

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 21, 2025

This could be a simple one-team, one-voice front put up by the Giants, who have taken a veritable beating in the media after a rough year both on and off the field.

Or, it could be the Giants are simply playing things close to the vest and don’t want to tip their hand. By limiting their exposure to the media, there are fewer chances for any kind of mixed message or faux pas occurring.

Until the Annual League Meeting in late March, that is, where John Mara usually addresses the media.

Related​

Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux plans to attack 2025 with a 'gold jacket' mentality​

NFL analyst: Cam Ward 'more equipped' to play QB for Giants​

Report: Giants trade for Matthew Stafford 'will be explored'​

Source: https://giantswire.usatoday.com/202...ot-scheduled-meet-reporters-2025-nfl-combine/