Here are three potential quarterback free agents for the New York Giants. Quarterback Daniel Jones’ time may be done after reports of the team is trying to move on. According to Rich Eisen, he heard rumors circulating around the NFL Scouting Combine that the Giants are “absolutely done” with Daniel Jones. It has been almost a year since New York signed the quarterback to a four-year contract extension.
It wasn’t long until the Giants already wanted to move on from Jones to potentially find their next franchiser. He played six games during the 2023 season before suffering a season-ending torn ACL in his right knee. Jones threw for 909 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions while leading the Giants to a 1-5 record. It was all downhill from there for the former sixth-round pick in 2019.
New York now has the No. 6 pick in this year’s draft and there is a talent-filled list of quarterbacks that will be available. A hard reset may be needed in New York after some inconsistencies from Jones. He showed some flashes of being a reliable starter, but he struggled to maintain the momentum last year. However, General Manager Joe Schoen expects Jones to return from injury to become their starter next season.
It’s still a possibility that the Giants are probably indeed done with Jones as their starter. It may seem like they’re interested in this year’s quarterback draft class. If they are then they could add one to be their next franchiser. However, here are three potential quarterbacks to replace the Giants’ current starter.
Giants are moving on from Daniel Jones? 😳
Via @richeisen pic.twitter.com/X8ISQzrZfQ
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) March 5, 2024
Three Potential Quarterback Free Agents for New York Giants
Ryan Tannehill
Wherever Tannehill lands, he’ll most likely take on a role as a “bridge” for a young quarterback to come in to take his spot eventually. According to reports, he has interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, where head coach Mike Tomlin wants to start a quarterback competition. Tannehill will be coming off a $27 million salary in the final year of his extension signed in 2020. He was pretty much a bridge for rookie quarterback Will Levis until they were comfortable enough to stick with him as the starter.
He could function as a game manager once the rookie is ready to start taking shots down the field wherever he lands. This is probably the route that the Giants may go to so it ensures they find the right man for the job. Giants’ General Manager Schoen did say they would look for someone to come in even if they get the green light that Jones is healthy.
This is pointing out that they may just release Jones or trade him away to get at least something in return. Tannehill doesn’t look good on suggested stats, but he could function to build the quarterback room back to their feet. Also, he shouldn’t cost a fortune for the team since they may bring him on a two-year short-term deal.
Gardner Minshew
Minshew wouldn’t be QB1, but he could be a solid addition to back up a potential starter in New York. The Giants still need an offensive line makeover, so it probably would be wise to add a veteran like Minshew to build the base of the team. If Jones does return, and he’s not ready then they could rely on Minshew to get some reps. That’s if they want to bring Jones back, but that’s very unlikely that they will.
While the Colt’s Anthony Richardson suffered a season-ending injury, it opened the door for Minshew to become the starter. He notched 3,305 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Washington State product took home Pro Bowl honors for the first time as well. So, he could be worthy and get more suitors interested in him if the Giants don’t sign him.
Drew Lock
Lock went into the fire as a rookie with a low-quality offense in Denver. However, he improved his play under former Giants head coach Pat Shurmur during his next two seasons. Lock went to Seattle for Russell Wilson in a trade last offseason and backed up Geno Smith. However, he still faired well against his only two starts last season against the Eagles and 49ers.
