The New York Giants have officially concluded their search for a veteran quarterback with the signing of Russell Wilson to a one-year contract on Wednesday night. This significant move has stirred discussions and speculation among fans and analysts alike. Here are some insights and thoughts following the news of Wilson's signing.
Prior to the Wilson signing, there was growing speculation linking the Giants to Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders as a potential pick with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. While the possibility isn't entirely ruled out, the likelihood of Sanders joining the Giants at No. 3 seems increasingly slim. General Manager Joe Schoen emphasized the need for improvement in 2025 during the NFL Scouting Combine, indicating that he might focus on selecting a young quarterback who can contribute rather than a third-string option who would remain inactive for the season opener.
Despite numerous videos showcasing the connection between Brian Daboll and Sanders during the East-West Shrine Bowl, there's a sense that the Giants may not fully endorse the idea of drafting him. Similar to last year's treatment of J.J. McCarthy, the Giants have shown considerable interest in Sanders, but ultimately decided against pursuing McCarthy. The recent acquisition of Wilson, along with Jameis Winston, suggests that the Giants might share the same reservations about Sanders.
The Giants face an intriguing decision regarding the No. 3 pick, with players like Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter representing significant additions to the team. Trading down a few spots could prove challenging, but the Giants are in a position where they could benefit from accumulating additional picks. Day 2 of the draft is often viewed as a prime opportunity, and securing more selections in the top 100 could enhance their roster considerably.
Teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears may be interested in moving up. The Jaguars, for instance, hold multiple picks in the second and third rounds, making a potential trade for the No. 3 pick a tantalizing prospect for Schoen.
Interestingly, Schoen was recently spotted at Tyler Shough's Pro Day in Louisville, hinting at the Giants' interest in potential quarterbacks. There is also buzz around the possibility of drafting Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, with speculation that the Giants might even trade back into Round 1 to secure him. However, with a focus on 2025, Schoen may hesitate to part with valuable assets for a quarterback who won't be expected to contribute immediately.
Shough, who will be 26 next season and has faced injuries throughout his lengthy college career, could be a strong candidate for the Giants. Although he may slide down draft boards, his talent places him among the top quarterbacks in this draft. However, the discussion often circles back to Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, recognized for his impressive physical abilities but also viewed as a project due to his inconsistency as a passer. With Wilson and Winston now on the roster, the Giants may consider taking a chance on Milroe, allowing him to develop without the pressure of immediate playing time.
The Giants have consistently stressed the significance of improved quarterback performance, citing it as a primary factor in their struggles over the past two seasons. Co-owner John Mara emphasized the need to address the quarterback issue, believing it could lead to overall team improvement. The team's recent performance, particularly during a Week 17 victory against the Indianapolis Colts, demonstrated the potential impact of strong quarterback play.
With the addition of Wilson and Winston, the Giants aim to enhance their offensive output, which previously ranked 31st in the league. The upcoming season will be a crucial test to evaluate whether the organization is correct in attributing their struggles to quarterback performance. The outcomes could have significant implications for Schoen and Daboll’s future with the team.
When the news of Wilson's signing broke, I reached out to fellow analysts from Big Blue View for an emergency livestream to discuss the implications of this signing. It turned into an engaging and enjoyable session, culminating in a moment where we surprised one of our contributors, Tony, with the news while he was out to dinner. If you haven't had a chance to watch the livestream, I highly recommend checking it out for some insightful discussions and reactions.
