The New York Giants and Aaron Rodgers don’t seem like an ideal fit, despite the team’s urgent need for a quarterback and Rodgers’ decorated career as a four-time NFL MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler.
Bringing in a veteran quarterback is an option for the Giants in free agency, but according to The New York Post’s Paul Schwartz, Rodgers isn’t a likely candidate. “As for Aaron Rodgers, never say never, but he will not be high on the list,” Schwartz reported.
That assessment makes sense, considering Rodgers’ age and the concerns surrounding the 41-year-old, both on and off the field, which contributed to his expected release from the Jets. The Giants may see those risks as too great, especially when other Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Matthew Stafford could become available.
Schwartz noted that “Russell Wilson paid a visit to the Giants last year, and he could be in play if he is available, as there is a starting job and a No. 1 wide receiver (Malik Nabers) on the scene this time around. Exploring a trade for Matthew Stafford should not be ruled out.”
Another possibility is that Giants general manager Joe Schoen uses the third-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select a long-term quarterback. However, the team reportedly has some reservations about the top quarterbacks in this draft class, which could impact their decision.
Aaron Rodgers Too Big a Risk for Giants
The New York Giants and Aaron Rodgers don’t appear to be an ideal pairing, despite the team’s pressing need for a quarterback and Rodgers’ impressive resume as a four-time NFL MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler.
Signing a veteran quarterback remains an option for the Giants in free agency, but according to The New York Post’s Paul Schwartz, Rodgers isn’t a top candidate. “As for Aaron Rodgers, never say never, but he will not be high on the list,” Schwartz reported.
This makes sense given Rodgers’ age and the concerns surrounding the 41-year-old, both on and off the field, which have contributed to his expected release from the Jets. The Giants may view those risks as too significant, especially when other Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Matthew Stafford could be available.
Schwartz noted, “Russell Wilson paid a visit to the Giants last year, and he could be in play if he is available, as there is a starting job and a No. 1 wide receiver (Malik Nabers) on the scene this time around. Exploring a trade for Matthew Stafford should not be ruled out.”
Another possibility is that general manager Joe Schoen uses the third-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select a future franchise quarterback. However, the Giants reportedly have some unexpected reservations about the top quarterbacks in this year’s class, which could influence their decision.
Two second-round picks
$75 million
The contracts for Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Tim Boyle
Another third-round pick and $11.6 million for Davante Adams
A year-plus with Nathaniel Hackett as OCFive wins. https://t.co/n4HzrwUwzh
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) February 13, 2025
Rodgers’ stint with the Giants’ AFC counterpart has been marred by injuries and questions about his focus. The four-time passing leader tore his Achilles in his first regular-season game with the Jets in 2023 against the Buffalo Bills, adding to growing concerns about his durability. He also dealt with ankle and knee issues last season, further fueling doubts about his ability to stay healthy.
For the Giants, taking a gamble on an aging quarterback with a history of injuries isn’t a risk they can afford. General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are already under pressure from team president and co-owner John Mara, making the quarterback decision crucial to their future.
Daboll and Schoen’s job security depends on getting the position right, and bringing in Rodgers could bring more distractions than solutions.
Former Jets wide receiver and current Fox Sports analyst Keyshawn Johnson highlighted some of those concerns, saying (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini) that Rodgers “threw a receiver [Mike Williams] under the bus and ran it back twice over him. He went to Egypt during minicamp. He goes on those ayahuasca things. He’s always pointing to [his coaches]. It’s too much.”
Additionally, speculation has surrounded Rodgers’ frequent appearances on The Pat McAfee Show, with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reporting on the Scoop City podcast that the Jets asked him to stop appearing. However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport denied that the team made such a request.
Notably, Rapoport also reported that the Jets asked Rodgers “to be around more,” further raising concerns about his commitment.
The Giants need a quarterback who is fully invested in their rebuilding efforts, making a draft selection the most logical path forward.
Giants Have Doubts About Rookie QBs
Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward should both be within range for the Giants at the third overall pick, but that may not ultimately matter—even if the team is “intrigued with Sanders,” according to Schwartz.
Concerns about Sanders stem largely from his relationship with his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. The Giants reportedly worry about the dynamic, given that Shedeur has been coached by his father since high school. They’ve also witnessed firsthand the highly publicized, video-centric environment surrounding Colorado’s football program, as well as the intense spotlight both father and son seem to embrace. Schwartz raises a valid question: If the Giants start 0-2 with Shedeur as a rookie, would Deion publicly criticize the offensive line, play calling, or dropped passes from afar?
As for Ward, Schwartz highlights concerns about his body type, stating that “he does not exactly look like a physical specimen.” These uncertainties make it unlikely the Giants would trade up ahead of fellow QB-needy teams like the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans.
If the Giants do decide to part with first-round capital, they may prefer to do so for a proven veteran like Matthew Stafford. Alternatively, they could revisit the idea of signing Russell Wilson, especially with the Pittsburgh Steelers emerging as frontrunners to land Aaron Rodgers.
Ultimately, staying out of the Rodgers sweepstakes appears to be the smartest move for the Giants. There are better options available to help finally put an end to their long-running quarterback struggles.
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