The era of Daniel Jones as the franchise quarterback for the New York Giants has officially come to an end. Whether this shift is marked by the emergence of Drew Lock or Tommy DeVito as the starter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12, or is postponed until the offseason, it is evident that the Giants must now pivot towards finding a new, elite quarterback. In today’s NFL, possessing a top-tier franchise quarterback is crucial for sustained success, and the Giants are at a crossroads, needing to explore their options to secure a brighter future.

As we wrap up our detailed analysis of the Giants’ roster during the bye week, it’s vital to reflect on the decisions made by GM Joe Schoen that have led the team to its current quarterback dilemma. This examination will not only cover the choices that have shaped the present but also delve into potential pathways for the future of the Giants’ quarterback situation.

Current quarterback lineup: Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito

Quarterbacks drafted since 2022: None

Key free agent acquisitions: Tyrod Taylor; Drew Lock

Significant departures: Tyrod Taylor

Understanding the Giants’ Quarterback Journey

One of the most pressing questions in recent discussions is how the New York Giants managed to take nearly six full seasons to realize the necessity of moving on from Daniel Jones. This is a critical point of reflection for fans and analysts alike, as the decision-making process is often scrutinized in hindsight.

For the purposes of this analysis, it is essential to note that the timeline of significance began with the arrival of Schoen and Brian Daboll after the conclusion of the 2021 season. The focus should be on the strategic decisions made by Schoen since he took the helm, shaping the trajectory of the franchise.

Schoen and Daboll were not brought in to simply oust Jones from the roster; instead, their mission involved evaluating his potential and determining whether he could lead the Giants into a successful future. This evaluation process was crucial in understanding the team’s direction.

Looking back at the offseason of 2022, several alternatives to Jones were available, but none inspired much enthusiasm among fans or analysts. The market was limited, and the options were not promising, leading to the decisions that followed.

During that offseason, Schoen made the decision not to exercise Jones’ fifth-year option, a choice that, in retrospect, may have been prudent given the circumstances. Despite Jones’ impressive performance in the 2022 season, which saw the Giants making the playoffs, the initial call was justified based on the prior inconsistencies.

After the 2022 campaign, it became clear that Jones was the best option at quarterback, especially with Lamar Jackson remaining with the Baltimore Ravens and the Giants being in no position to draft top-tier talents like Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, or Anthony Richardson. This left Schoen with the choice of either sticking with Jones or opting for Tyrod Taylor as a starter.

Ultimately, Schoen chose to stick with Jones for at least the immediate future. It would have been difficult for ownership to justify any other decision after the promising 2022 season, which added pressure to maintain continuity at the quarterback position.

Schoen’s decision to sign Jones to a four-year, $160 million contract rather than utilizing the franchise tag demonstrates a calculated risk. By tagging Saquon Barkley instead, Schoen structured Jones’ contract with only two years of guaranteed money, effectively hedging against the possibility that Jones may not be the long-term solution.

This contract was always intended as a two-year “prove it” deal for Jones, and the evidence suggests it has revealed that the Giants need to seek a new answer at the quarterback position.

Last offseason, it was evident that Schoen and Daboll were preparing for the possibility of moving on from Jones. They attempted to trade up to secure Jayden Daniels, but the Washington Commanders were not receptive. Similarly, efforts to trade up for Drake Maye fell through, indicating a clear desire to explore new quarterback options.

The Giants ultimately passed on drafting J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix, or Bo Nix at the No. 6 pick. The implications of this decision may take years to fully understand, as the future success of these players will be scrutinized against the backdrop of the Giants’ choices.

Jones has displayed flashes of capability this season, showcasing determination and ball security. However, he has also missed numerous opportunities and made critical errors at pivotal moments. Despite having a competent offensive line, talented receivers, and a robust running game, the Giants have struggled, averaging a league-low 15.6 points per game.

This performance underscores that Jones’ limitations are significantly hindering the overall effectiveness of the Giants’ offense, prompting the need for a reassessment of the quarterback position.

Strategizing the Future of the Giants’ Quarterback Position

As the Giants prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there is a possibility that a new quarterback will take the field this Sunday. This could be a crucial turning point for the franchise. Regardless of the immediate outcome, it is imperative that the Giants formulate a comprehensive strategy for the offseason to address their quarterback needs.

Currently, the Giants hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The state of their roster come season’s end remains uncertain, making it difficult to predict their drafting strategy. However, consensus suggests that three quarterbacks stand out as top prospects: Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, and Jalen Milroe.

The pressing question remains: Will the Giants be in a position to draft one of these promising quarterbacks? If given the opportunity, will they be willing to make the investment? Even if they do secure a future star, they will likely need a veteran quarterback to bridge the gap. Could Lock or DeVito step into that critical role?

There is also the risk of missing out on one of these top quarterbacks. In such a scenario, should the Giants consider signing a veteran like Sam Darnold in free agency or take a chance on a Day 2 quarterback, all while maintaining the option to pursue a more significant solution down the line?

Schoen has expressed confidence that the Giants are “not far off” from returning to prominence. When he mentions the potential for a major leap in 2025, it is evident that securing the right quarterback will be key to transforming the team’s fortunes.

Ultimately, Schoen’s ability to address the quarterback issue will define his tenure with the Giants, particularly if he remains in his position beyond Week 18 this season. The pressure is on to make the right decision that will shape the future of the franchise.