Giants Eyeing Aaron Rodgers After Missing Out on Stafford

INDIANAPOLIS — The New York Giants are turning their attention to veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers after losing out on Matthew Stafford, according to league sources. The discussions regarding Rodgers occurred during the NFL Scouting Combine this week, signaling the Giants’ urgent search for a franchise quarterback.

The Rams confirmed Friday that Stafford, 37, would remain with the team after restructuring his contract, prompting the Giants to seek alternatives. With Rodgers set to be a free agent when the new league year commences on March 12, the Giants see him as a viable option to fill their quarterback void.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen expressed the team’s need to explore all avenues for securing a reliable signal-caller. “You’ve got to make sure that one of those guys are going to be there or they’re even in the draft,” Schoen said. “Having a vet in place… prevents some of the draft-for-need and allows you to take the best player available.”

Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, has struggled in recent seasons, posting a 5-12 record as the starter with the New York Jets last year, which was marred by a torn Achilles. Still, the Giants believe he could serve as a stopgap quarterback while they develop a future starter. With the No. 3 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Giants have been linked to top prospects such as Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward.

Despite the focus on Rodgers, it remains unclear if there has been direct communication between him and the Giants. Sources from USA Today indicated that as of Wednesday, no discussions had occurred. Nevertheless, the Giants appear open to pairing Rodgers with a rookie quarterback, should they acquire one.

The need for a quarterback has become increasingly critical for the Giants, especially considering that Tommy DeVito is currently the only QB on their roster. Recent reports suggest the team is willing to make moves to ensure they land an experienced player who can guide younger talents.

“In theory, yeah, you take the rookie quarterback, they’re on the rookie deal for five years,” Schoen said. “Where we are salary-cap wise, you can build around them.”

Rodgers’ potential arrival would not only provide experience but could also attract additional talent to the Giants’ receiving corps, which includes Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, and Wan'Dale Robinson. Whether the Giants can finalize a deal for Rodgers will depend on how attractive they can make their offer amid a weak market for the veteran.

While evaluating options, the Raiders are also looking at quarterbacks and considering different veterans like Sam Darnold. The landscape for experienced quarterbacks in this offseason is shifting as teams finalize their strategies in anticipation of free agency.

The NFL Draft is set for April, and the Giants must make timely decisions to enhance their roster for future success. With several teams evaluating their quarterback situations, the music in this game of NFL chess remains ongoing, keeping fans on their toes.