We might finally find out who the Giants’ next starting quarterback is today.
After six long Daniel Jones-led years — which crescendoed with a disastrous four-QB carousel (and 3-14 record) last season — the Giants could officially begin a new era by signing a new signal caller when free agency opens Monday.
So, who will it be?
Before we get there, let’s recap the offseason QB musical chairs so far.
For a while, the Giants were “hellbent” on acquiring Matthew Stafford. That interest — which was very real — died when the 37-year-old restructured his deal with the Rams on Feb. 28.
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The focus then shifted to Aaron Rodgers. That smoke thickened for weeks but, like the potential Stafford deal, it looked like the Giants would have to seriously compete with the Raiders, who were also desperate for a QB.
Keyword: Were.
On Friday, Las Vegas traded a third-round pick for Seahawks QB Geno Smith. That crossed off one QB-needy team off the list, but birthed another (more enticing) landing spot.
Reports are now linking Vikings free agent QB Sam Darnold, the best option on the open market, to the Seahawks. If Darnold signs there, then the Vikings — who have J.J. McCarthy, but might not trust him as the Week 1 starter — would surely join the Rodgers sweepstakes too.
When it comes to attractive QB destinations: Vikings > Giants. If Minnesota is interested, Rodgers would be foolish not to sign with them.
So, where does that leave the Giants?
Justin Fields would be exciting, but most insiders think he’ll sign with the Jets or re-sign with the Steelers.
If they strike out on all of these names — a strong possibility — then general manager Joe Schoen is left with two imperfect options: Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston.
Wilson, who almost signed with the Giants last offseason, wouldn’t be terrible. He can still sling it deep, completing 63.7% of his throws for 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns in 11 starts for the Steelers last season. He’d also be a decent mentor for the rookie QB the Giants are likely to take with the third pick in April’s draft.
The Steelers, however, may have thrown a bit of a wrench in the Giants' Wilson plans on Sunday when they traded for his ex-WR DK Metcalf. Surely Wilson would return if they wanted him back.
Then there’s Winston, who once tossed 33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in a single season. He would at least be.. entertaining. The 31-year-old finished the season with 2,121 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. During Super Bowl week, Winston told NJ Advance Media he was “absolutely” interested in signing with the Giants.
“Would I really sign with the Giants? Absolutely!” Winston told NJ Advance Media. “I want to keep playing and do what I do best.”
All of this is to say: The Giants probably won’t be any QB’s first choice. That’s what happens when you win three games and build a terrible roster.
Schoen, who’s square on the hot seat, better find a half-decent starter who can keep the team afloat for a few weeks and mentor the new kid as he’s doing it. Wilson likely fits that mold best, but, again, would he even want to sign with this trainwreck?
Let’s see what Schoen pulls out of his hat.
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Ryan Novozinsky may be reached at rnovozinsky@njadvancemedia.com. You can follow him on X@ryannovoNFL