Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report recently examined every NFL team's biggest missing pieces on offense and defense. The article lists quarterback and cornerback as New York's most significant needs. While the team has other areas to improve, these two positions should be prioritized.
The Giants' top priority this offseason is addressing the quarterback position. Right now, the only signal-caller on the roster is third-year quarterback Tommy DeVito. DeVito will likely enter next season as New York's third-string option behind a veteran the team signs and whichever rookie the Giants draft.
The Giants have several veteran options in free agency, including Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson, and Jameis Winston. However, one name that has emerged as a potential target is Aaron Rodgers. The Giants shifted their focus toward the 41-year-old after Matthew Stafford restructured his contract with the Los Angeles Rams.
In the NFL Draft, the Giants could trade up from No. 3 to No. 1 to select Miami's Cam Ward, take Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, or wait and target former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart later on. Joe Schoen has stated that he is open to anything that improves the team.
On the defensive side, the Giants need to upgrade their secondary, specifically at cornerback opposite Deonte Banks. They could sign a veteran in free agency like Byron Murphy, Carlton Davis, Charvarius Ward, Kristian Fulton, or DJ Reed. Alternatively, they could take Heisman Trophy recipient Travis Hunter with the third overall pick.
The Giants aren't expected to bring back veteran cornerback Adoree' Jackson. With former first-rounder Banks not developing as Brian Daboll and the Giants anticipated over the past two seasons, the team must add another defensive back this offseason.
Luckily, the Giants have options at both quarterback and cornerback in free agency and the NFL Draft, but what will Schoen do?
How should the Giants address the quarterback and cornerback positions this offseason?
While Big Blue should explore signing Darnold or Wilson, their interest in Rodgers seems to be growing. It's becoming increasingly likely that the four-time MVP could become a Giant in the coming days. According to Bleacher Report Gridiron, the odds of Rodgers joining the Giants have shifted from +1000 to -160 over the last ten days.
The Giants should stay at No. 3 in the NFL Draft and take Hunter. Mel Kiper Jr. had Big Blue selecting Hunter in his pre-combine mock draft, calling the Heisman Trophy winner the most dynamic and best prospect in this year's class. Hunter would significantly improve the Giants' wide receiver room and secondary while being used in high-pressure situations.
The Giants could also take Dart in the NFL Draft if he falls out of the first round. The Ole Miss quarterback impressed last season, posting 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and an 86.3 quarterback rating in 13 games. Adding a veteran like Rodgers as a short-term mentor for a prospect like Dart could be an exciting move for the franchise's future.
