Giants General Manager Joe Schoen Talks Quarterback Search and Stafford Rumors as Draft Approaches

Giants General Manager Joe Schoen Talks Quarterback Search and Stafford Rumors as Draft Approaches

The New York Giants have navigated troubled waters in their quarterback situation. From mid-2004 to mid-2017, Eli Manning was the team’s singular starting quarterback. This stability transformed into chaos during the 2024 season, where the team fielded four different quarterbacks.

Late in the season, the Giants’ struggles at quarterback became apparent as they experimented with various signals callers. Daniel Jones’ departure added to their instability, while Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito faced injuries, ultimately leading to Tim Boyle taking snaps.

As the Giants prepare for the 2025 season, they hold the coveted third pick in the upcoming draft, alongside some trade capital and salary cap space, creating a pressing need for a reliable quarterback.

Mounting Speculation Around Matthew Stafford

With speculation surrounding potential quarterback acquisitions increasing, the Giants find themselves linked to Matthew Stafford. The veteran quarterback has reportedly received permission from the Los Angeles Rams to explore trade opportunities with other teams. General Manager Joe Schoen addressed this topic at the NFL Scouting Combine, making a noteworthy statement that captured the attention of Giants fans.

Schoen emphasized the importance of finding a quality quarterback, saying, “I’m for taking swings at that position. It’s the most important position, and it’s hard to find them. So, keep swinging. Keep swinging at the position until you find one.” His comments indicate a proactive approach as the team looks to secure a strong candidate.

Exploring Free Agent Options and Draft Possibilities

Alongside Stafford, several other names dominate the free agency landscape, including Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, Jameis Winston, and potentially, Aaron Rodgers. Kirk Cousins could also enter the mix, adding to the Giants’ decision-making complexity.

Although Stafford stands out as a prime trade target, Schoen’s team is also contemplating drafting a quarterback. They could select prospects such as Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders with their high draft pick.

Assessing the Draft Landscape

Schoen acknowledged the uncertainties surrounding the draft, stating, “Again, we don’t know what’s going to happen in the draft. We don’t know who’s going to be there. When we get around these kids, they may or may not be a fit for us. We’re going to have to address the position somewhere.” His acknowledgment of potential candidates reflects the Giants’ understanding of their situation.

The Importance of a Veteran Presence

Given the unpredictable nature of drafting a young quarterback, Schoen expressed the necessity of having an experienced player around. He highlighted, “Even if you get a young quarterback, you’d like to have a vet in the room with him to show him the ropes and how to be a pro.” This statement reinforces the notion that the Giants are not solely focused on finding a talented rookie; they also understand the value of mentorship and guidance.

It seems inevitable that New York will bring in a seasoned quarterback. However, the variety of experienced players available will give Schoen and the Giants multiple avenues to consider.

Leadership and Accountability After a Tough Season

Despite finishing the season with a dismal 3-14 record, Giants co-owner John Mara maintained the leadership duo of Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. This decision came as a response to the franchise’s worst record in decades and followed an unsuccessful season where even Saquon Barkley’s impressive statistics couldn’t salvage the team’s performance.

Daboll has openly acknowledged that effective quarterback play is essential for the team’s success, a perspective echoed by Schoen during their media interactions. Schoen noted, “It would be nice to have one guy out there who gives you the best chance to win games and also stay healthy. Again, that is an important position, and we need better play out of that position than what we’ve had, and that will really help us.”

Looking Ahead to Free Agency

As the NFL free agency period approaches on March 14, the Giants will be actively searching for solutions. With Schoen and his staff leveraging the upcoming draft and free agency, fans can expect significant changes to the quarterback position.

Strategic Decisions Ahead

The Giants face a pivotal moment in their franchise’s history. With a mix of potential trades, free agents, and young talent on the horizon, Schoen’s strategic approach to building a competitive team will be crucial. As the days pass and the draft nears, the Giants will look to secure a quarterback who can lead the franchise into a brighter future.

In this landscape of shifting expectations, Giants fans remain hopeful that the team’s leadership will find the right mix of talent and experience to bring them back to competitive form.