Aaron Rodgers to the Giants seems to be anything but a certainty
“We’ve got to be better. We’re a three-win team.”
That was general manager Joe Schoen talking about the New York Giants at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Schoen did not add the “or else,” but he knows there is one. The “or else” is, of course that after running a team that has gone a miserable 9-25 the past two seasons another awful one could cost Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll their jobs.
Schoen’s chance to make the Giants better in 2025 begins Monday at noon ET when the free agent negotiating period officially opens. We know, of course, that many of those negotiations have been going on since the Combine — or perhaps before — but, we begin to see the results of that groundwork Monday afternoon.
The big question is quarterback
You already knew that. The Giants tried and failed to trade for Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams. They have been heavily connected to Aaron Rodgers and in the “be better or else” season that is upcoming Rodgers, despite my obvious misgivings, is the best quarterback on the market.
Rodgers, though, has options. His signing with the Giants is anything but a certainty.
As of Sunday evening, the Giants were waiting on Aaron Rodgers, per sources. He was assessing all his options with the negotiating window set to open today at noon.
Rodgers is expected to talk with the Seahawks and the Steelers are also an option.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) March 10, 2025
The obvious pivot if Rodgers goes elsewhere would seem to be Russell Wilson. The 37-year-old Wilson, though, might stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
What happens then? Who knows.
In my view, though, what matter far more than whoever the Giants sign in free agency to play quarterback is whether or not they get it right when the ultimately select one in the 2025 NFL Draft.
What else to watch?
There is a lot.
The Giants have four starters who are unrestricted free agents — wide receiver Darius Slayton, guard Greg Van Roten, edge defender Azeez Ojulari, safety Jason Pinnock. It seems unlikely any of them will be back.
How will the Giants address the offensive line? The biggest hole is at right guard, but depth, particularly at tackle, is an issue. [5 offensive linemen to consider]
If Slayton leaves, can they find a veteran WR2? [5 wide receivers to consider]
Can they add help for Dexter Lawrence on the interior defensive line? [5 defensive linemen to consider]
Will they be able to land a top-tier cornerback? [5 cornerbacks to consider | Eagles’ CB a target]
Follow our Giants Free Agency Tracker all day for updates.
