The New York Giants signed quarterback Jameis Winston to address the veteran gap in their quarterback room, giving them the flexibility to start fresh and mentor a rookie quarterback. They also signed Russell Wilson to prevent the necessity of drafting that rookie.
With both quarterbacks now on the roster, the Giants have significantly improved the potential of their 2025 team. Wilson, with a one-year, $10.5 million contract, offers the safest option for stability at quarterback, giving general manager Joe Schoen a solid chance for success this season.
If healthy, Wilson will start in September, aiming to lead the team to a successful season that could secure Schoen’s job and possibly revive Wilson’s career. In addition to performing, Wilson will be expected to guide and mentor, utilizing his 13 years of experience.
This group may include a rookie quarterback, possibly Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Both Wilson and Winston have expressed their willingness to help develop a rookie, though it’s uncertain if one will be drafted. Schoen recently admitted at the NFL Owners meetings that he isn’t locked into any one decision regarding the draft.
Joe Schoen
With two quarterbacks already in place, he’s not under pressure to draft based on need, allowing the team to be flexible. “We can go any which direction. We can go play a game right now,” Schoen said, emphasizing the team’s range of options.
The natural pick after Sanders (assuming Cam Ward from Miami is off the board) would likely be a top-tier prospect like Colorado’s Travis Hunter or Penn State’s Abdul Carter. While the Cleveland Browns could complicate things by selecting one of them, Schoen remains ready to pick the top player available.
“We’re in a position where we can take who we think is the best football player at that time,” he explained. Schoen’s remarks may also be a way to frame the potential draft of Sanders as a strong choice, easing any pressure to select a quarterback.
If 2025 doesn’t go well, resetting with a rookie quarterback in 2026 would be tempting, but it would also mean asking a young player to adapt to a second new system in consecutive years, which could affect the stability of Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.
By stating the Giants will draft the best player available, Schoen is also setting up the narrative to make a potential Sanders pick more palatable, regardless of his true rank on the board. Schoen acknowledged that, “if you’re picking that high, you’d want that guy to be a franchise quarterback that you can win with, winning the NFC East every year.
” Ultimately, the goal is to win a Super Bowl, and whoever the Giants select must meet those expectations. While it’s still unclear whether Schoen believes Sanders fits that profile, the Giants have been more closely linked to him than any other team.
Whether that connection translates into a draft choice remains to be seen. With two reliable quarterbacks already on the roster, Schoen is free to pivot away from selecting a quarterback, depending on how the draft board shapes up.
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