Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson
Getty
The New York Giants made one "fantastic" move at QB this offseason.
It’s not often the New York Giants have received praise for their plan at quarterback, but one analyst believes the NFC East franchise deserves credit for making a “fantastic” move at football’s most important position this offseason.
That’s the opinion of Sam Monson of the “Check the Mic” podcast with Steve Palazzolo for The 33rd Team. Monson singled out the Giants handing Jameis Winston a bargain deal in 2025 NFL free agency as perhaps the best move of a smart rebuild of their QB depth chart.
Getting Winston “for like an absolute steal, like no money whatsoever, is good process.”
Acquiring former No. 1 overall pick Winston for just $8 million spread over two years, and with an out after this season, per Spotrac.com, kickstarted a QB overhaul. The process also involved bringing in 10-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson, before trading back into the first round of the 2025 NFL draft to select Jaxson Dart.
Winston got lost in the shuffle after those moves, but Monson still sees the logic of signing the former Cleveland Browns passer. Specifically, Monson pointed out how Winston “can still be the third quarterback on your depth chart for, like, nothing, and he’s a borderline capable starter, like it’s, that’s fantastic process.”
What’s significant here is how both Monson and Palazzolo applaud every move the Giants made at the quarterback this year, but the flexibility afforded by Winston deserves more attention.
Jameis Winston Moves Makes Giants Flexible at QB
Wilson will start early, but Dart is expected to begin a bright future sooner, rather than later. That’s a pretty clear picture atop the depth chart, but any clarity could be wasted by two risks.
Notably, Wilson falling back on the bad habits that made him less than convincing during uninspiring stints with the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers. Further struggles from the 36-year-old would accelerate the need to throw rookie Dart into the lineup earlier than anticipated.
If Dart isn’t ready, the Giants’ grand design at quarterback would fold like a cheap house of cards. This is where Winston’s presence becomes potentially invaluable.
He’s an ideal stop-gap starter in the event Wilson falters, but Dart still needs more time to develop. The Giants could plug Winston into the offense and be confident he can still make big-time throws like this one to burn the blitzing Baltimore Ravens for a touchdown to Cedric Tillman in Week 8.
Cleveland Browns
TILLY PUTS US AHEAD!
#BALvsCLE on CBS and NFL+
Knowing they could count on Winston to attack coverage vertically is an advantage for a Giants team needing to expand its passing game, but there’s another benefit to keeping 31-year-old around.
Giants Have Worthy Trade Chip Thanks to Safe QB Plan
Winston also qualifies as a worthy trade chip should the Giants want or need to strike a deal for veteran help or even future draft capital during the season. The Giants using the option to deal Winston has become a popular idea.
A trade after the season is underway offers greater upside, but the broader point is Giants general manager Joe Schoen doesn’t have to act. He can simply sit tight, safe in the knowledge he has a proven NFL starter in reserve who would surely attract any team beset by injuries at quarterback.
It’s just one more reason the forgotten move among the big three changes the Giants made to their own QB plans may turn out to be their smartest decision.