The New York Giants find themselves in a precarious position, mired in another disappointing season and facing the ire of a disillusioned fan base. Their 3-14 record highlights the urgent need for a franchise quarterback, a glaring weakness compounded by the fact that their divisional rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, are vying for a Super Bowl berth. The pressure is mounting on head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen to rectify the situation quickly, as the Giants’ owner and fans alike are demanding results. The team’s recent decision to prioritize Daniel Jones over Saquon Barkley has backfired spectacularly, with Jones being released and Barkley blossoming into an MVP candidate for the Eagles. This misstep further underscores the Giants’ need for shrewd decision-making and a clear plan to secure a competent quarterback.
The upcoming NFL draft presents the Giants with a critical opportunity to address their quarterback woes. However, with the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns holding the top two picks and also in search of quarterbacks, the Giants, picking third, face the possibility of missing out on the top prospects, Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. This scenario raises questions about the Giants’ strategy. Should they settle for the best available player at another position, such as the versatile Travis Hunter who excels at both cornerback and wide receiver? Or should they pursue alternative quarterback options, either through free agency or by trading up in the draft? These are the crucial decisions facing Daboll and Schoen, and their choices will significantly impact the Giants’ future.
Carl Banks, a former Giants linebacker and Super Bowl champion, offers his perspective on the team’s predicament. He emphasizes the urgency of the situation, asserting that the Giants have “no more time” and must “make it happen this year.” Banks suggests that if the Giants fail to land Ward or Sanders, they should consider acquiring a veteran quarterback like Kirk Cousins or Sam Darnold. Darnold, in particular, is coming off a career-best season with the Minnesota Vikings, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and leading the team to the playoffs. While Darnold may not be a long-term solution, he represents a reliable short-term option who could stabilize the position while a younger quarterback develops.
Banks proposes a multi-pronged approach to the quarterback conundrum. He believes the Giants should pursue a veteran free agent like Darnold while also keeping an eye on the draft. If either Ward or Sanders unexpectedly falls to the third pick, Banks argues the Giants should absolutely draft them. This strategy would give the Giants two viable quarterback options, allowing the rookie time to develop while Darnold provides a stable presence under center. This approach hedges the Giants’ bets and provides a contingency plan in case the rookie doesn’t pan out immediately.
While acknowledging the importance of acquiring a franchise quarterback, Banks cautions against sacrificing too much to move up in the draft. He suggests that if the top two quarterbacks are off the board, the Giants should select the best available player at No. 3 and focus on winning now. This approach would create a more attractive environment for a young quarterback in the future. Banks emphasizes the need for a well-defined plan, stressing that the Giants cannot afford to be complacent in their pursuit of a quarterback.
Turning his attention to the NFC Championship Game, Banks predicts an Eagles victory, citing their dominant running game and the Commanders’ struggles against the run. However, he acknowledges that if the game becomes a shootout, the Commanders, led by the unflappable Jayden Daniels and their talented receiving corps, have a chance to pull off the upset. Looking ahead to the Super Bowl, Banks predicts a matchup between the Eagles and the Buffalo Bills, with the Bills ultimately winning their first Lombardi Trophy. This prediction highlights the high stakes of the NFC Championship Game and the anticipation surrounding the Super Bowl matchup. While the Giants are currently on the outside looking in, the decisions they make this offseason will determine their ability to compete with the likes of the Eagles and Bills in the future.
