The New York Giants took a major step toward solidifying their quarterback situation this offseason, signing Russell Wilson to a one-year deal worth $10.5 million, with incentives that could raise the total to $21 million. They also added Jameis Winston on a two-year, $8 million contract, giving the team a seasoned trio of quarterbacks as they approach a crucial 2025 NFL Draft. These additions bring immediate stability and, just as importantly, offer the franchise valuable flexibility in how they build the roster for both the present and the future.
Photo Cred: USA Today
General Manager Joe Schoen emphasized the importance of entering the draft from a position of strength rather than desperation:
“Since I’ve been here, we’ve tried to set it up on draft day that we could go play a game [that day]. I feel like we’re there now. That way you don’t get backed into a corner or force yourself to do anything,” Schoen told Giants.com.
That strategy is paying dividends. The additions of Wilson and Winston provide veteran leadership and competence at the most important position in football, ensuring that the Giants can approach the draft with options rather than needs.
What This Means for the Giants on Draft Day
Holding the third overall pick, the Giants are in an enviable position. The veteran signings don’t eliminate the possibility of drafting a quarterback—they simply remove the pressure to start one right away. Instead, a young signal-caller could develop at the right pace, learning behind two quarterbacks who have each experienced both highs and lows in the NFL. A move up to the No. 1 overall pick appears increasingly unlikely, with the Tennessee Titans reportedly locked in on Washington State’s Cam Ward.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns—owners of the second pick—are widely believed to be targeting two-way superstar Travis Hunter. That leaves New York at No. 3, facing a pivotal decision between two paths: draft their quarterback of the future in Shedeur Sanders or take the best player available (BPA) on their board. Sanders brings the mental toughness, arm talent, and leadership teams covet in a franchise quarterback. He showed resilience at Colorado, performing admirably despite constant pressure and a lackluster offensive line.
His experience operating under duress and his poise in big moments make him an intriguing prospect, especially if given time to grow. But the Giants could also opt to load up elsewhere. If Hunter is available, he presents a rare opportunity to draft a uniquely gifted two-way player who could start immediately on defense and contribute in a hybrid offensive role. If Hunter is off the board, linebacker Abdul Carter may be the top option—a blue-chip edge defender with elite traits who could transform the Giants’ defense into one of the most feared units in the league.
The Ideal Draft Scenario
In a perfect world, Travis Hunter is available at No. 3. He would start instantly at cornerback opposite newly signed Paulson Adebo and provide added dynamism on offense alongside breakout rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Hunter’s elite athleticism, positional versatility, and football instincts make him a true unicorn—a player with All-Pro potential on both sides of the ball.
If the Browns take Hunter at No. 2, the Giants’ pivot to Abdul Carter would be seamless. A front seven featuring Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Chauncey Gholston, and Carter would be among the league’s most disruptive. This would mark a return to the kind of bruising, high-energy defense that defined the Giants’ Super Bowl-winning teams in 2007 and 2011.
Photo Cred: USA Today
Later in the draft, New York could look to add a developmental quarterback such as Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milroe in the late first or second round. Dart, in particular, has the physical tools and toughness to thrive in the NFL. With a solid arm, above-average mobility, and a history of playing in a pro-style system at Ole Miss—like Giants legend Eli Manning—he could be a smart, low-risk investment. Under the guidance of Wilson and Winston, a player like Dart could flourish without the pressure of early expectations.
Russell Wilson’s Impact Goes Beyond the Stats
Though Wilson may no longer be the dynamic dual-threat who led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl, he remains one of the league’s most prepared and experienced quarterbacks. Last season in Pittsburgh, he showed signs of a resurgence, throwing 16 touchdowns in just 11 games. His ability to extend plays, deliver a deep ball, and manage the game remains valuable.
Perhaps more telling than his stats was Wilson’s opening press conference with the Giants. He spoke extensively and insightfully about the team’s current roster, highlighting his film study and preparedness. That level of engagement and professionalism sets a tone for the locker room. His presence not only boosts the quarterback room, but also elevates the organization’s overall standard.
Balancing the Present With the Future
Many Giants fans were understandably frustrated when a late-season victory over the Colts cost them the No. 1 overall pick. But in the months since, the front office has recalibrated and executed a plan that brings both immediate promise and long-term potential. The Giants now have the freedom to stay put at No. 3 and take a player who fits their vision—be it a quarterback like Sanders, a game-changer like Hunter, or a defensive centerpiece like Carter.
And if the team decides to wait on a quarterback until 2026, when the class is expected to be deeper and stronger, they’re equipped to do so. That’s the value of flexibility: it gives a team the chance to build strategically, not reactively. The Giants have done something rare this offseason.
They’ve improved the roster in meaningful ways, provided clarity at the quarterback position, and given themselves options for the draft without mortgaging their future. For the first time in years, fans can look ahead with real optimism—not just for the upcoming season, but for what lies beyond. The future is no longer just a concept. For Big Blue, it’s finally coming into focus.
