The NFC East has been an absolute mess all six weeks, but you can always count on the New York Giants to close out the standings in last place. It could be worse — New York has actually won some games — but the Giants are clearly a step behind their divisional foes. Something has to change. In fact, a lot of things have to change.
You can’t put all the blame on Daniel Jones, but the quarterback is always the easiest scapegoat. I’m old enough to remember when Jones was tolerable and well-liked on the streets of New York City. There is currently an active countdown to when the Giants can release him from his contract at the end of the season.
Jones has exceeded expectations entering this season, completing 62.1 percent of his passes for 1,343 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions in six starts. He’s a real athlete and can make memorable pitches, but the Giants need more reliability from the QB position long term.
After giving away the top QB prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft to Malik Nabors, many expect New York to find its QB of the future in the 2025 Draft. The only problem? This is a weak class of quarterback candidates and could set the Giants’ schedule back a bit.
It would be ideal if New York could acquire a high-level prospect through trade. You can debate what it means to call him a “high-level prospect,” but there’s still some intrigue surrounding Bryce Young. What does the Carolina Panthers’ gunslinger look like on a real team? Are the Giants a real team?
There’s a lot to chew on.
A simple trade of a backup quarterback and a draft pick.
The Panthers have a third-round pick to move on from Young, but that feels generous at this point. The Giants get their own fifth-round pick back from Carolina and a quarterback succession plan. New York will have to plan for contingencies — Young won’t be an undisputed opening-day starter in 2025 — but it’s worth the risk to acquire the former No. 1 pick. .
Tommy DeVito is basically slotted into the role of Carolina’s backup QB behind Andy Dalton. He made waves as a rookie and could actually be a viable replacement late in the season if the Panthers get tired of losing with the 36-year-old journeyman at the helm. With New York retaining both Jones and Drew Lock in the short term, Young likely won’t be on the field until next season. But he’s on the roster, and it’s a chance to earn retention and prove his mettle away from the toxicity of the Panthers organization.
Most of Young’s shortcomings are fundamental. He is too small, which affects his vision and footwork in the pocket. He has a sharp football mind, but doesn’t have the time, comfort, or perspective necessary to utilize his IQ. Things can only get better in New York. That’s saying something considering the Giants’ recent history, but Young isn’t guaranteed a post-Carolina breakout. He has a lot of work to do.
But if Young can put the pieces together and deliver on some of his pre-draft promise, he could help stabilize a Giants QB room that has had mediocre work for years with Jones. It’s worth a try, especially if the price is a low stakes pick swap.
