The New York Giants will have a different starting quarterback in 2025 after Daniel Jones was the Week One starter in each of the past five seasons. Prior to him, Eli Manning opened each NFL season as New York’s starter under center for 13 years.
Now, Jones is with the Indianapolis Colts after spending the second half of the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings on their practice squad. New York had demoted him all the way down to their own scouting team after another dismal year, and then eventually released him.
Entering 2025, they have two quarterbacks on their roster: Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito. However, they are reportedly not done looking for another veteran.
The New York Giants Are Still Pursuing Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers, New York Giants
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) toses the ball to New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (17, not shown) as other teammates provide blocking, Sunday January 5, 2025, in East Rutherford.
The signing of Winston, who spent last season one of the quarterbacks for the Cleveland Browns, came as a surprise to many because of New York’s interest in signing former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
After missing virtually all of the 2023 season with a torn Achilles, Rodgers had a below-average season in 2024 for the Jets, at least by his standards. Indeed, his 63.0% completion percentage, 3,897 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and 90.5 passer rating would be pretty decent years for most quarterbacks.
However, the Jets went 5-12 and Rodgers was often blamed for the internal issues that plagued the franchise. As a result, they informed the four-time NFL MVP that they were going in a different direction at quarterback.
And while the future Pro Football Hall of Famer undoubtedly wants to play for a contender in 2025, his options are limited. So limited, in fact, that he is considering the Giants who finished 3-14 last year.
Jameis Winston Could Become the First African American Quarterback to Start Week 1 for the New York Giants
New York Giants, Jameis Winston
Dec 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing
But the Giants are not the only team interested in Rodgers. The Pittsburgh Steelers already have a contract offer on the table and have met with him in person. What is more, they finished the 2024 season 10-7 and have since added two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf.
Indeed, signing Winston seemed like a contingency plan in the event New York missed out on the future Pro Football Hall of Famer. In the event that they do, and when/if Winston starts for them in Week One, he will become the first African American quarterback in franchise history to be the Giants’ starter in the first game of the regular season:
TRENDING: Jameis Winston could become the first Black starting quarterback in New York #Giants history to start a season opener.
🤯
For 100 years, the Giants have had only white quarterbacks start their Week 1 games.
(📸: @Dav1dChabot) pic.twitter.com/W9HOitgycG
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 23, 2025
Of course, New York has had several African American quarterbacks play for them throughout their long 100-year history. However, none of them have started the first game of the season.
If the Giants suddenly pivot and sign Russell Wilson, who is also interested in playing for them, then he would be the first in the event he wins the starting job.
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