The New York Giants are at a critical juncture as they look to address their quarterback situation ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
With Daniel Jones no longer in the picture, having been released and now playing for the Minnesota Vikings, the Giants are evaluating a range of options.
From veteran quarterbacks to draft prospects, the decisions they make this offseason will determine the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
One of the most talked-about possibilities is Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Recently linked to the Giants as a potential trade target, Cousins could serve as a bridge quarterback while the team grooms a younger prospect.
Cousins is currently signed to a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract, carrying salary cap hits of $40 million in 2025 and $57.5 million in 2026 and 2027.
While his contract is significant, Cousins has proven to be an effective quarterback when healthy.
In the 2024 season, he posted 17 touchdown passes and seven interceptions through the first nine games, averaging 258.7 passing yards per game.
Unfortunately, a torn Achilles ended his season prematurely, and his performance leading up to the injury—no touchdowns and eight interceptions over four games—raises concerns.
For the Giants, trading for Cousins would require absorbing his massive contract and giving up valuable draft capital.
Though his experience and skills could provide much-needed stability, the financial and strategic implications make this a challenging decision.
So, the Giants must carefully weigh whether Cousins aligns with their long-term rebuilding goals or if his acquisition would be a short-term solution at best.
And another intriguing name in the conversation is Sam Darnold.
Once a promising draft pick for the New York Jets, Darnold struggled early in his career but has experienced a resurgence with the Minnesota Vikings, where he led them to an impressive 11-2 record this season.
Darnold’s improved decision-making, pocket awareness, and ball placement have made him a standout option for teams needing a quarterback.
Analysts such as Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report believe Darnold could fit Brian Daboll’s offense well.
He’s worked on his early-career issues, like bad decision-making and trouble in the pocket, and is now playing like the quarterback many hoped he’d be when drafted.
And the Giants, projected to have $61.4 million in cap space for 2025, are well-positioned to pursue Darnold.
His acquisition would be less financially burdensome than Cousins, and at just 28 years old, Darnold offers more upside for a long-term role.
If he succeeds, the Giants can focus on building other areas of the roster, such as improving their offensive line or strengthening the defense.
If not, they could turn to the 2026 NFL Draft, where potential franchise quarterbacks like Arch Manning, nephew of Eli Manning, may be available.
On top of that, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is another option reportedly under consideration.
Rodgers, currently with the New York Jets, remains one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of his generation despite being 41 years old.
His leadership, experience, and ability to mentor younger players could provide the Giants with immediate benefits, particularly for a team struggling to establish stability at the quarterback position.
While Rodgers’ age and injury history are concerns, his potential to elevate the offense and attract free agents makes him a compelling short-term solution.
However, bringing Rodgers to the Giants would still be a gamble, as his effectiveness could diminish rapidly due to the physical toll of his career.
As the Giants are exploring veteran options, the 2025 NFL Draft also looms large in their decision-making process.
Depending on their draft position, they could target top quarterback prospects like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders.
But this year’s draft class doesn’t seem as strong as past years, so the team might not want to use a top-three pick on a quarterback unless they’re confident.
Analysts have suggested that reaching for a signal-caller who may not be NFL-ready could set the team back, especially when other prospects or positions of need might offer better immediate value.
Thus, if the Giants choose to forgo a quarterback in the draft, they could also decide to wait until 2026, when players like Arch Manning might be available.
Manning’s pedigree and potential as a franchise cornerstone make him a highly desirable option, though waiting an additional year for a long-term solution carries its own risks.
Ultimately, the Giants face a series of interconnected decisions, each with its own set of risks and rewards.
Trading for Kirk Cousins could give them an experienced quarterback, but it would come at a high cost.
Signing Darnold would be less risky but still a gamble on his recent success.
And signing Aaron Rodgers would bring leadership right away, but there are real worries about his age and injury history.
The draft is another chance to find a future star, even though this year’s class might not have an obvious top pick.
The Giants’ front office will need to balance short-term fixes with long-term goals as they consider these choices.
With $61.4 million in cap space and likely a top-three draft pick, they have the resources to make some big moves.
But if they make the wrong call, it could push the team even further from being competitive again.
On the other hand, smart choices could finally give the team stability at quarterback, something it has lacked since Eli Manning.
The stakes are huge for the Giants, and fans are eager for answers.
Whether they go for a proven veteran, a young talent, or a rookie, one thing is clear: the decisions this offseason will shape the team’s future for a long time.
This is a make-or-break moment for the franchise, and all eyes are on the front office to get it right.