The New York Giants wrapped up a challenging 2023 season with a 3-14 record, propelling them into an offseason filled with crucial decisions. As the team looks to rebuild, they are tasked with addressing multiple positions, most notably the quarterback. With the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and $53 million under the salary cap, the Giants have both opportunities and challenges ahead. They aim to maintain roster continuity while potentially bringing in new talent via free agency and the draft.
The Giants face a significant task in replacing their former quarterback, Daniel Jones, who has left the team. The departure of Jones, along with free agents Drew Lock and Tim Boyle, leaves the team without a starting quarterback. Giants’ ownership stresses the importance of securing a quarterback to lead the team into future seasons.
"That's obviously the number one issue for us going into this offseason, is to find our quarterback of the future," said John Mara, the team's owner.
The Giants are considering various avenues to address this key position. They plan to explore options in free agency and remain open to drafting a new quarterback.
"We can also look throughout the draft, potential trade opportunities. We'll look at any avenue we can to upgrade the position," stated General Manager Joe Schoen.
The team has done extensive groundwork in preparation for both free agency and the draft. They hold seven picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including one in each of the first five rounds and two additional selections in the seventh round. The team is also expected to receive a fourth-round compensatory pick due to the loss of safety Xavier McKinney last year.
In terms of free agency, the Giants have several notable players whose contracts have expired. Key figures such as starting safety Jason Pinnock, outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari, and defensive back Isaiah Simmons are now free agents. The team must decide which players they will retain and which positions need to be reinforced with new talent.
Despite their interest in free agency, the Giants remain committed to building their roster primarily through the draft. Owner John Mara voiced this strategy as a preference for long-term stability.
The Giants' strong scouting process plays a crucial role in their draft preparations, involving interactions with prospects through college all-star games, the scouting combine, and other predraft evaluations.
"We've done a lot of work on the college guys. John [Mara] mentioned earlier that we'll look at free agency," said Joe Schoen.
On the coaching front, there is potential change as Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka is a candidate for the New Orleans Saints head coaching job. Should Kafka leave, the Giants would receive a future compensatory pick due to his status as a minority hire. Meanwhile, Defensive Coordinator Shane Bowen is expected to remain with the team despite being linked to a coaching opportunity with the Patriots.
The Giants have also made changes within their coaching staff by appointing Marquand Manuel as the new defensive backs coach while parting ways with safeties coach Mike Treier.
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