As the Giants continue to wait out the remaining veteran quarterback market, another potential target has emerged. Jameis Winston will visit New York tomorrow, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
The Giants are among the teams whose plans under center depend in large part on what Aaron Rodgers decides to do in 2025. Provided the 41-year-old suits up for next season, he could do so by following his two-year Jets run with MetLife Stadium’s other team. The Giants are believed to have the best Rodgers offer on the table, but the Steelers have also made their pitch while the Vikings loom as a landing spot as well.
In need of contingencies, therefore, New York has checked in on other veteran passers. The team hosted Russell Wilson on a visit last week, repeating the process which preceded his 2024 Pittsburgh agreement. A weekend report indicated Wilson is ready to sign at any time, but that is unlikely to take place until Rodgers makes his decision. Another Steelers pact could be in play, while the Browns also hosted Wilson. Joe Flacco has already met with the Giants, but is is under consideration for other QB-needy teams as well.
Winston made it clear in the build-up to the Super Bowl that he would be open to joining the Giants, who currently only have Tommy DeVito under contract. Adding a passer on Day 1 of the draft is certainly in play, as New York owns pick No. 3 and could be willing to trade up and select Cam Ward. Bringing in Winston, 31, would give the team a veteran of 87 starts capable of handling (or at least competing for) QB1 duties in 2025.
Winston signed with the Browns to serve as their backup last offseason, but Deshaun Watson‘s Achilles tear allowed him to start seven games. Winston said last month he hoped to remain in Cleveland, but the team has since swung a trade for Kenny Pickett. A deal with the Chargers or 49ers (with whom the former No. 1 pick has spoken) could be more feasible as a result. The Giants will now find themselves in the mix if tomorrow’s visit goes well.
Before Winston meets with the Giants, the team will bring in Zach Pascal. The veteran wideout is visiting today, Pelissero’s colleague Mike Garafolo reports. Pascal has worked with Giants receivers coach Mike Groh in Indianapolis, and the former Eagle and Cardinal would provide depth at the position if he were to sign.
I’ve argued that Rodgers to Minnesota makes a certain amount of sense, given that the Vikings, apart from quarterback, are ready for a Super Bowl run. There’s not many suitable drivers available for Formula 1, and Rodgers is the best of what is available.
For the Giants, Rodgers makes zero sense. The franchise is a train wreck, with an inadequate OL, weak skill players. The Giants need a qb prepared to run for his life. Justin Fields would have been the ticket. Plus the Giants will be playing 2025 for high draft position again. What’s the sense in having Aaron Rodgers sitting behind that wheel? If Rodgers gets hot, he moves Giant’s draft position down to 12 or 15 but they still miss the playoffs.