As the New York Giants wrap up a frustrating 2023 season, their quarterback situation remains one of the most debated topics heading into the 2024 offseason. Daniel Jones, the team’s current starting quarterback, has shown flashes of promise but also struggled with consistency, turnovers, and injuries. After receiving a four-year, $160 million contract extension in 2023, the Giants had high expectations for Jones to take the next step. However, with offensive struggles and a neck injury derailing his season, many are questioning whether Jones is still the right leader under center.
As the offseason approaches, the Giants find themselves at a crossroads. Should they continue to build around Jones, a player who has shown both potential and frustration? Or should they explore other options, including trading for a veteran quarterback, signing a free agent, or using the 2024 NFL Draft to find a new face of the franchise? The Giants’ decision will not only shape their immediate future but also dictate the direction of the organization for years to come.
Daniel Jones: A Crossroads for the Giants’ Franchise
When the Giants selected Daniel Jones with the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, they hoped he would be the successor to Eli Manning, the two-time Super Bowl champion who led the franchise for over 15 years. In his first few seasons, Jones displayed flashes of his potential. His athleticism, arm strength, and ability to make plays with his legs set him apart from other quarterbacks. But inconsistency—particularly in terms of decision-making, accuracy, and turnovers—has plagued him throughout his career.
In 2022, under head coach Brian Daboll, Jones took a step forward. Daboll’s system seemed to suit Jones’ skill set, particularly his ability to make plays with his legs and work within a system that emphasized play-action and a balanced offense. Jones led the Giants to a surprising playoff appearance, with career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. His performance in the postseason, including a dramatic win over the Minnesota Vikings, seemed to solidify his role as the team’s franchise quarterback.
However, 2023 has been a different story. While Jones showed flashes of his ability, the season has been marred by injuries—most notably a neck issue that forced him to miss several games—and inconsistent play. The Giants’ offense has struggled mightily, ranking near the bottom of the league in key categories such as total yards and points scored. Jones has continued to struggle with turnovers, and his inability to consistently lead the offense has created doubt about his long-term viability as the team’s quarterback.
Despite these challenges, the Giants have made significant financial commitments to Jones, making the decision to move on from him a difficult one. But the reality is that the Giants may not be able to afford to wait much longer. In a competitive NFC East, the team needs more from its quarterback if it hopes to contend for a playoff spot. If Jones can’t make significant strides in the next year, the Giants may have no choice but to look for a change.
The 2024 NFL Draft: A Fresh Start with a Rookie Quarterback?
One of the most appealing options for the Giants is to explore the 2024 NFL Draft for their next quarterback. This draft class features two highly touted prospects—Caleb Williams from USC and Drake Maye from North Carolina—who are widely regarded as future franchise quarterbacks. Both players have the talent to reshape a franchise, and the Giants could be in a prime position to select one of them if they secure a high pick in the draft.
Caleb Williams, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, is widely considered the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck. Williams possesses a rare combination of arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability. His ability to make all the throws on the field, combined with his improvisation skills, has drawn comparisons to top-tier quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes. For a franchise like the Giants, who are in search of a true game-changer at quarterback, Williams represents the kind of talent that could elevate the team’s offense and propel them back into playoff contention.
Drake Maye, while not as hyped as Williams, is another elite prospect. Standing at 6’4” and 220 pounds, Maye has the ideal size for an NFL quarterback and possesses a strong arm, poise under pressure, and the ability to read defenses. He also has the mobility to extend plays with his legs, making him an attractive option for teams seeking a balanced quarterback who can execute both from the pocket and on the move. While Williams may be the more dynamic prospect, Maye’s consistency and maturity as a passer make him a strong contender for teams in need of a new quarterback.
For the Giants, drafting one of these quarterbacks would represent a significant investment in the future. However, there are challenges that come with selecting a rookie quarterback. While both Williams and Maye are highly regarded, the transition from college to the NFL is always a gamble. Even the most talented rookies often struggle with the speed of the game, the complexity of NFL defenses, and the demands of leading a professional offense. The Giants would need to decide if they are ready for a potential rebuilding phase, where the growing pains of a rookie quarterback could set them back in the short term.
Additionally, the Giants would need to position themselves to acquire one of these quarterbacks, either through their own draft position or by trading up. If the team has a mid-to-late first-round pick, they might have to make a move up the draft board to ensure they land one of these highly coveted prospects.
Veteran Trade Options: A Short-Term Fix?
If the Giants decide that drafting a quarterback isn’t the right path, they could look to the trade market for a proven veteran to lead the offense. There are several quarterbacks who could be available via trade in the coming months, and acquiring one could provide the stability and leadership the Giants need to stay competitive in the short term.
Kirk Cousins, the long-time Minnesota Vikings quarterback, is one such option. Cousins has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the NFL, regularly posting impressive stats in terms of passing yards and touchdowns. However, despite his individual success, Cousins has struggled to win big games in the postseason, which has led to questions about his ability to lead a team to a championship. Still, for a team like the Giants that is looking for stability at quarterback, Cousins could provide a solid, reliable option who can keep the offense moving and help the team remain competitive.
Ryan Tannehill, the veteran quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, is another potential trade target. Tannehill has led the Titans to multiple playoff appearances, and while his performance has declined in recent years, he is still a solid starter with the experience needed to guide a team. Tannehill’s ability to manage games, his leadership, and his familiarity with offensive schemes make him a viable option for a team looking for a short-term fix while continuing to evaluate their long-term quarterback options.
Both Cousins and Tannehill would come with certain limitations. Cousins is 35 years old and has never won a playoff game, while Tannehill is 35 and has struggled with inconsistency. However, both quarterbacks could serve as a bridge for the Giants if they are not yet ready to fully commit to a rookie quarterback or if they feel their roster is close to contending.
Free Agency: Low-Cost, High-Potential Alternatives
If the Giants are looking for a more affordable option, free agency could provide some intriguing choices. Players like **Sam Darnold** (San Francisco 49ers) and **Gardner Minshew** (Indianapolis Colts) could offer value as low-cost, high-upside options. Darnold, once the third overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, has struggled to live up to expectations throughout his career but has shown flashes of promise in his limited opportunities with the 49ers. Minshew, on the other hand, has earned a reputation as a reliable backup and spot starter, with a knack for coming in and providing a spark when needed. Both quarterbacks could provide the Giants with an option to bridge the gap while the team develops its future quarterback.
Looking Ahead: The Giants’ Crucial Decision
The New York Giants face one of the most important decisions in their recent history: whether to continue building around Daniel Jones or to explore other quarterback options through the draft, trade, or free agency. The decision they make will have a lasting impact on the future of the franchise.
If they choose to stick with Jones, they will need to find ways to improve the supporting cast around him and address the turnover issues that have plagued his career. If they decide to look elsewhere, they will need to weigh the risks and rewards of investing in a rookie quarterback, acquiring a veteran through trade, or adding a low-cost free agent.
The road ahead is filled with uncertainty, but one thing is clear—the Giants’ quarterback dilemma will define the direction of the franchise for years to come. As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on New York to see which path they choose.
