The New York Giants made significant moves on the first day of the “legal tampering” period, but as expected, they faced some setbacks.
In addition to running back Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney departing for the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers, respectively, the Giants also saw quarterback Tyrod Taylor sign with the New York Jets, and cornerback Darious Williams opt for the Los Angeles Rams despite visiting the Giants.
Cornerback remains a top priority for the Giants, especially with Adoree’ Jackson’s contract voiding and Darnay Holmes’s deal expiring. General manager Joe Schoen is reportedly seeking veteran depth at the position to complement the youthful roster, which includes second-year players Tae Banks and Tre Hawkins III, as well as third-year talents Cor’Dale Flott and Aaron Robinson.
Finding an experienced backup quarterback is another key focus for Schoen, considering Daniel Jones’s return from an ACL injury. While the Giants are optimistic about Jones’s recovery, they want insurance against potential setbacks or injuries.
Although the Giants are expected to draft a quarterback next month, Schoen emphasized the importance of having a capable backup who can step in and win games if needed.
Despite briefly exploring options like Russell Wilson, who ultimately joined the Steelers, and Sam Darnold, who landed with the Minnesota Vikings, the Giants are still on the lookout for the right fit. Potential candidates like Ryan Tannehill (Titans) and Joshua Dobbs (Vikings) could address the team’s backup quarterback needs.