Say it ain't so, Joe.
Joe Schoen, the general manager of the New York Giants, panicked. He blinked first and for that, he will probably be the former general manager come this time next season.
Schoen, knowing he needs a quarterback to carry him into 2025, signed a two-year deal with journeyman Jameis Winston. The deal is worth $8 million, but could balloon to $16 million with incentives. The terms of a guarantee are unavailable at the time of this posting.
There were three quarterbacks out there worthy of being signed. Two of them have won Super Bowl titles. Winston has never had a winning record as a starting quarterback. So what does Schoen do?
He takes the starter with the worst record and zero accomplishments.
The Giants had the opportunity to sign Russell Wilson, who was literally begging to be a New York Giant … and they went for Winston.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports that just because they signed Winston, it does not foreclose the idea of signing another veteran quarterback. This may be true, but why would Wilson want to go to New York and split practice reps this offseason with Winston?
Giants fans would rather see favorite native son, Tommy DeVito start than Winston and that says something. DeVito is endearing to the fans. They will never adopt Winston.
Winston was a lovable loser in Tampa Bay, New Orleans and Cleveland. Schoen can't possibly think Winston is going to suddenly become an All-Pro overnight in New York.
Giants co-owner John Mara said at his post-season press conference they had to improve at the quarterback position.
They failed to do that today. And it’ll eventually be one of the employment-ending GM Joe moves.
