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The New York Giants head to Indianapolis this week for the NFL Combine, where their search for a franchise quarterback remains a top priority. With only Tommy DeVito expected to return on the depth chart when the new league year begins on March 12, the team has several options—through the draft, free agency, or both.
Draft Targets and Veteran Options
The Giants will closely evaluate top draft prospects, including Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. League insiders believe New York is particularly interested in Sanders, though that wouldn’t necessarily prevent them from adding a veteran quarterback. The team previously took a similar approach in 2004, starting Kurt Warner while grooming No. 1 pick Eli Manning.
Veteran quarterback Jameis Winston has already expressed interest in joining the Giants, stating during Super Bowl week that he would welcome the opportunity. Meanwhile, Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers hinted at a potential move for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, posting cryptic messages on social media that referenced Stafford’s jersey number.
Could Stafford Be in Play?
The Rams are working to restructure Stafford’s contract, which carries a $27 million salary for 2025. If those talks fall through, a trade could be an option. The Giants inquired about Stafford’s availability at last season’s trade deadline, according to ESPN.
Nabers made his feelings clear about the veteran quarterback during an appearance on the Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry podcast.
“His arm talent is crazy. His sidearm is crazy,” Nabers said. “The way he throws the ball, his angles, it’s crazy. He knows the defense. He’s a veteran quarterback. He led that team to the playoffs without those receivers he was playing with at the beginning of the season when they were hurt. Then when he got them back, he was able to do a lot of great things. I like the way he throws the football.”
At 37, Stafford wouldn’t be a long-term solution, but he could provide immediate stability. Giants owner John Mara has emphasized the need for a franchise quarterback, but he also wants the team to be competitive right away. Adding Stafford could help achieve that while easing the pressure on general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, who need results in 2025.
Draft Plans Take Shape
The Giants have been planning for this quarterback search since last season, knowing they might need to move on from Daniel Jones. A top draft pick remains a strong possibility, even if they sign a veteran.
In Indianapolis, the Giants will conduct formal interviews with the draft’s top quarterbacks, including Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss), Will Howard (Ohio State), and Jalen Milroe (Alabama). Sanders will attend but will not participate in drills.
New York followed the same process last year when evaluating Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye, who ultimately went No. 2 and No. 3 overall. Instead, the Giants selected Nabers with the No. 6 pick.
After the combine, the team will host top quarterback prospects in New Jersey as part of their extensive evaluation process. They aim to understand how each candidate handles pressure, adversity, and the expectations that come with playing in New York.
“When it comes to the quarterback, we treat it like no other position It’s negligent if we don’t,” Giants assistant GM Brandon Brown said last year. “We’re going to go through the whole, call it ‘kitchen sink’ approach, whether it’s private workouts, whether it’s live games, whether it’s talking to coaches, whether it’s high school, college, positional, coordinators. … It’s really important you don’t leave any stone unturned because you never know how the draft takes you, and you never want to get caught flat-footed. We prepare for every scenario.”
A Crucial Offseason Ahead
The Giants scouted Ward, Sanders, Howard, and Dart extensively throughout the fall, signaling their intent to explore every quarterback option. The past two seasons of inconsistent play at the position have made it clear that finding stability under center is essential.
“Once you solve the quarterback issue, I think a lot of these other things will improve as well,” Mara said.
With multiple paths available—via the draft, free agency, or a potential Stafford trade—the Giants’ decision at quarterback will shape the franchise’s future. The next few weeks could be critical in determining their direction.
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This report used information from ESPN.
