The New York Giants have had quarterback struggles for the better part of the last decade. Ever since Eli left the building in 2019 it’s been a complete disaster. Throughout coaching changes and GM regimes, the most crucial position in football has been a disappointment. Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP and future first-ballot hall-of-famer is available for hire, but the question is, Should the Giants even want him?
Should the Giants Want Aaron Rodgers?
The Giants haven’t been able to truly rely on a quarterback, in over six seasons. The Daniel Jones experiment failed, and honestly, it went on much longer than it should have. The man had a miserable six years with the team, and although his failures were not all his fault, the lionshare of the blame belongs to him.
After releasing him at the midway point of the 2024 season, and crawling to the finish line with Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, and Tim Boyle; it’s finally time for a fresh start in New York. And that fresh start could be Aaron Rodgers.
2024 Woes
Before talking about whether the Giants should want Rodgers or not, it needs to be acknowledged that this is not the same quarterback that dazzled NFL fans for years in Green Bay.
Last year, while playing for the New York Jets, Rodgers finished the season throwing for about 3900 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The team went 5-12 while many thought before entering the season, their ceiling would be much higher. The numbers weren’t bad, but it wasn’t “THE” Aaron Rodgers that NFL fans were used to.
To call the season a disappointment would be an understatement. The Jets, who haven’t had a true franchise quarterback since Joe Namath, finally thought they found their guy, for at least a few seasons. However, it wasn’t meant to be, and one of the most dysfunctional teams in the NFL continued on in only a way that they could.
Alternative Options
As of right now, the only viable free agents that Giants fans wouldn’t consider a second-class hire are Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers.
Guys like Joe Flacco, and Jameis Winston are available, but at this point in their careers, one is an old vet with one or two more years left, and the other is a backup.
Russ is a potential option. His 2024 season was decent, and he’s shown he’s still got some good football left in the tank. Posting 2500 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 11 games for the Steelers gives cause for hope, and hope is all the Giants can ask for.
New York could go the opposite route instead. Draft and start a rookie, and hope for the best. Now if Andrew Luck or Jayden Daniels were available, this would be a no-brainer. However, the prospects in this class aren’t exactly blue-chippers who can start from day one. That’s not to say they don’t have talent as they should certainly draft a quarterback, but letting him start early would not be the best idea.
Should the Giants Want Rodgers?
Yes, they should!
Rodgers is still the best candidate for the job. Although last season tempered expectations on what he’s able to do, he still is capable and should be looking to avenge his worst season since becoming a starter.
If the Giants can sign Rodgers, and allow the rookie that they will presumably draft to sit behind him for a season, they should be in good shape not only for 2025, but years to come after that.
Main Image: Kevin R. Wexler-Nort – USA Today Sports
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