The NFL free agency is in full swing but Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson are still available in the open market. Both quarterbacks have been heavily linked with the New York Giants this offseason, but it appears that the NFC East team is open to take another route.
On Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that veteran quarterback Jameis Winston is scheduled to have a visit with the Giants on Tuesday as the team keeps on waiting for Rodgers’ decision about his future.
“While the New York braintrust waits for Aaron Rodgers’ decision, it‘s continuing to visit with alternatives: Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson and now Winston, the former No. 1 overall pick,” Pelissero wrote on X.
Giants waiting for Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers seems to be the Giants‘ priority target, which is why they’re taking their time to choose their next quarterback. The 4x NFL MVP left the New York Jets after only two years, but it’s still uncertain whether he’ll come back for the 2025 NFL season.
The 41-year-old doesn’t lack in offers though, with the Pittsburgh Steelers also a team to watch. Word on the street is that A-Rod would be interested in playing for the Minnesota Vikings, but the NFC North franchise has high expectations on J.J. McCarthy.
The Giants, meanwhile, have a big decision to make at quarterback. After giving up on Daniel Jones midway through the 2024 NFL season, Brian Daboll and company may only need a proven signal-caller to improve in offense.
The Giants explore alternatives to Rodgers
While the possibility of Rodgers is worth the wait, the team is preparing for a scenario where the former Green Bay Packers star is off the table. In fact, they’ve already visited with Wilson on Friday.
Flacco is another name the Giants are reportedly considering, though Winston has emerged as a younger alternative who also has plenty of NFL experience, having made 87 starts in the league since being drafted with the first overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015.
However, the Giants will also have the opportunity to choose their next franchise quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft. New York holds the third overall pick, which puts it in a position to get one of the best prospects of the 2025 class. Only time will tell us what direction the Giants ultimately take.