PALM BEACH, Fla. — In January, John Mara made it clear that finding a new franchise quarterback was the Giants’ top offseason priority, whether through the draft or free agency.
It seems general manager Joe Schoen is leaning towards the latter option.
Speaking at the league’s annual meeting on Monday, Schoen appeared comfortable with the idea of not selecting a quarterback with the No. 3 pick. Instead, he suggested the team could head into the season with a mix of Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Tommy DeVito, and a rookie chosen in a later round. “We can go any direction,” Schoen said when asked how the Wilson and Winston signings impacted his draft plans. “It doesn’t force us into a corner or make us have to pick based on need.”
This shift in strategy follows months of speculation that the Giants might draft Shedeur Sanders, who some scouts feel is more comparable to Day 2 prospects than to top QB prospect Cam Ward. Following the Winston signing, and with Wilson added to the mix, some wondered if the Giants had cooled on the idea of drafting Sanders.
This new approach might turn out to be the best scenario.
If the Titans take Ward at No. 1, the Giants could have a shot at Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter — a potential game-changing consolation. This strategy suggests that Schoen, who faces pressure in his role, is focusing on the Giants’ long-term success rather than drafting a QB to secure his job. When asked if passing on Hunter or Carter would be difficult, Schoen expressed his hesitance to reach for a QB in a weak draft class.
“We’re in a position where we can take the best football player available,” said Schoen, who strengthened his roster with signings like Jevon Holland, Paulson Adebo, and Chauncey Golston this offseason.
While the Giants would welcome either Carter or Hunter, a team source speaking anonymously at last month’s scouting combine shared a particular enthusiasm for Hunter’s potential fit.
“He might fit our needs more than any other team,” the source said, praising Hunter’s offensive skills (noting that the Giants primarily view him as a cornerback).
