The latest buzz surrounding the New York Giants’ quarterback search — excluding the draft — has focused on two veteran stopgap options: former Super Bowl champions Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson. The hope is that either would serve as a bridge to a rookie quarterback.
Wilson has been linked to the Giants for some time, but the Rodgers rumors only started circulating after it was confirmed that Matthew Stafford would remain in Los Angeles. Since then, those rumors have gained momentum.
On March 4, veteran Giants insider Art Stapleton (NorthJersey.com/The Record) shifted his stance on the possibility of the Giants pursuing Rodgers.
“Last week, I was told that Aaron Rodgers was more of a last resort for the Giants than a top candidate in their quarterback search, but I was cautioned that the situation was evolving quickly,” Stapleton shared on X, adding: “And now, here we are.”
In a follow-up article, Stapleton acknowledged that Rodgers’ potential move to the Giants might have been slightly underestimated. He explained: “The situation is fluid, and now Rodgers seems as viable a candidate as any, especially with free agency nearing.”
Later, Stapleton continued his coverage on Rodgers and Wilson.
“The Giants aren’t ruling out any options in their quarterback search, including Rodgers and Russell Wilson, who visited the team last offseason before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers,” he reported. “As of last Wednesday, Rodgers hadn’t personally reached out to the Giants despite rumors, and the team had not yet had discussions with him, according to sources familiar with the situation. However, the message seems clear: Rodgers is interested.”
Stapleton reiterated that if the Giants pursue Rodgers, they are still likely to draft a quarterback.
Why Are the Giants Turning to Aaron Rodgers & Russell Wilson as Their Top QB Options?
You might be wondering why the Giants are considering Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson as their top quarterback options. Well, insider Art Stapleton addressed this question on social media.
Stapleton explained that the shift toward Rodgers and Wilson is due to the fact that other potential options, like Kirk Cousins with the Atlanta Falcons or Sam Darnold re-signing with the Minnesota Vikings, are less likely to become available. Additionally, the Steelers might opt to bring back either Wilson or Justin Fields.
Given this, Stapleton concluded that the Giants are running out of viable quarterback options before the official negotiating period even begins.
The concerning part is that the Giants are not alone in this situation. Many teams are facing similar struggles in securing a top quarterback.
Giants Trail Raiders & Steelers in Betting Odds to Land Aaron Rodgers
As of March 4, the New York Giants are currently third in the betting odds to land Aaron Rodgers, according to uSTADIUM and BetUS Sportsbook & Casino.
Leading the way at +150 are the Las Vegas Raiders, a team that has been in pursuit of almost every quarterback this offseason, and Rodgers appears to be the next on their radar. Following the Raiders, the Pittsburgh Steelers are sitting at +200, with the Giants coming in third at +300.
Adding fuel to the fire, Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby stirred up the Rodgers-to-Las-Vegas rumors on March 4. During an appearance on his podcast, The Rush With Maxx Crosby, he expressed his desire to have Rodgers join the Raiders.
“The first year off a torn Achilles is one of the hardest things to do,” Crosby said. He pointed to the struggles Rodgers faced after returning from an injury, similar to Kirk Cousins’ experience, but also noted how Rodgers improved as the season progressed. Crosby continued: “With all the doubt and negativity around Aaron Rodgers — oh, he’s retired, cut by the Jets — I think he’s going to come back and have a big year this season.”
Crosby concluded with a hopeful remark: “And I hope it’s in our town,” referring to Las Vegas.
If reports are true and Sam Darnold does re-sign with the Vikings, and the Steelers secure an extension with Justin Fields, it would seem likely that Rodgers and Russell Wilson end up with the Raiders and Giants, though it’s still unclear who would sign where.
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