The New York Giants could take an unconventional approach to solving their quarterback issues by pursuing veteran dual-threat quarterback in free agency and then selecting top prospect Travis Hunter in the 2025 NFL draft. This scenario, suggested by Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports, considers the Giants potentially landing a quarterback with the third overall pick in the draft. However, with two other QB-needy teams—the Titans and Browns—picking ahead of them, the Giants may miss out on a top quarterback.
Instead, Dajani proposes that the Giants could give Fields a chance to start and then use their high draft pick to select Hunter. Fields, known for his dual-threat ability, showed improved play in 2024 with the Steelers and could be a more affordable option than Sam Darnold.
While drafting Hunter at No. 3 seems like a solid move, opting for Fields as the quarterback presents a higher risk. Despite his mobility potentially appealing to head coach Brian Daboll, choosing Fields over a more experienced quarterback like Darnold could be a gamble for the Giants.
Justin Fields a Risk for Giants
The idea of the Giants signing Justin Fields has been discussed before, and while he could make sense as a “bridge” quarterback, there are significant risks involved.
One key concern is that Fields hasn’t shown much more development as a passer than Daniel Jones, who was released by the Giants during the season due to issues with accuracy and decision-making. Fields has faced similar struggles. He lost his starting job with the Pittsburgh Steelers to Russell Wilson this season and has thrown for more than 245 yards as a starter just once. Additionally, he took 16 sacks in just six games, according to Pro Football Reference.
Where Fields has excelled, however, is as a runner. The 25-year-old averaged 4.7 yards per carry and scored five rushing touchdowns, showing his ability to contribute on the ground. This includes a notable designed run against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, which was highlighted by Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports.
Fields’ size and running ability align with the type of offense Brian Daboll previously designed for Josh Allen as the offensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills, and briefly for Daniel Jones, who set career highs in 2022 with 708 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
However, the main issue with Jones was his inability to consistently generate yards through the air, a problem that Fields is unlikely to resolve. While Fields does have some strengths as a passer—particularly with deep throws—his overall passing consistency remains a concern. Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot highlighted Fields’ arm strength, especially when throwing on the move, showcasing one of his positive traits as a quarterback.
The Giants could certainly benefit from a more skilled vertical passer, as they averaged just six yards per attempt last season, the second-lowest in the NFL. They also recorded only 34 completions of 20-plus yards, highlighting the lack of deep-threat success.
Improving their ability to hit more deep passes is a clear priority for Daboll, and Travis Hunter could play a crucial role in making that happen, with his ability to stretch the field and contribute as a dynamic playmaker.
Travis Hunter Could Transform Giants WR Corps
The Minnesota Vikings averaged eight yards per attempt and had 64 completions of 20 or more yards, largely due to the high level of receivers like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The Giants, on the other hand, don’t have that caliber of talent—at least not yet. However, adding Travis Hunter alongside rookie standout Malik Nabers could dramatically change their receiving corps.
Hunter still needs some refinement as a wideout, but his raw talent is undeniable. He possesses genuine field-stretching speed and a knack for making spectacular catches. A prime example of his playmaking ability is his contested grab in traffic against Utah, which was highlighted by FOX College Football. Adding Hunter would give the Giants a much-needed deep-threat weapon.
Pairing Travis Hunter with Malik Nabers on the field makes a compelling case for signing Sam Darnold, who threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns this season. Adding these two dynamic playmakers could help elevate the Giants’ offense, and Darnold’s experience as a passer could complement their skills.
TRAVIS HUNTER IS UNREAL 🤯
He makes an absurd catch for @CUBuffsFootball on 4th & 8 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OuIIY8e4vD
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2024
Drafting Hunter would also offer another advantage for the Giants: securing a cornerback with shutdown potential to pair with struggling 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks. Hunter’s impressive 96 receptions and four interceptions in 13 games at Colorado showcase his dual-threat ability, making him more valuable to the Giants than Fields’ skill set might be.
Ultimately, selecting Hunter would be a smart move for the Giants, but it would be most effective if they also bring in a more competent passer through free agency to round out their roster.
Leave a Reply