For as critical as the national media has been about the New York Giants this summer, at least there’s been a rhyme or reason to much of their criticism.
Sure, there have been instances of blatant misinformation, but much of the negative coverage has followed the same beats, whether it’s about Jaxson Dart’s aggressive playstyle or the concerns about Matt Nagy’s offense.
Few takes have caught our attention the way that Athlon Sports’ Pat Pickens did, though. Earlier this week, Pickens named backup quarterback Jameis Winston among six players who could be cut or traded ahead of Week 1.
“Winston is having a dreadful camp and could be focused on his burgeoning TV career,” Pickens wrote.
No, the New York Giants are not going to trade Jameis Winston anytime soon
Let’s start with the obvious: There is absolutely zero reason to believe that Winston is at risk of being traded, cut, or losing his No. 2 spot to Brandon Allen. The Giants and Winston adore one another, and he’s the perfect backup for Dart.
The Athletic’s Dan Duggan reported that Winston went 20-of-21 during Saturday’s practice. If that’s considered “dreadful,” then what would qualify as meeting expectations? Should he have rushed for six touchdowns, caught another two, and taught an energetic Jack Russell puppy how to sit on command?
And as for the idea that Winston “could be focused” on his recent media work, that’s unsubstantiated speculation, and it’s unfair to both Winston and the Giants. John Harbaugh has been a head coach for nearly 20 years, and it’s difficult to envision him and Joe Schoen signing off on Winston being as active as he was this summer if they believed it’d present issues.
Pickens wrote that Winston “must play better” or risk being replaced by Allen. But if the Giants were to decide within the coming weeks that they want to look elsewhere at backup quarterback, wouldn’t it make more sense to explore the trade market? The Steelers and Browns both have logjams at quarterback, and it’s unclear whether the Raiders will carry three quarterbacks or part ways with Aidan O’Connell.
Schoen and Harbaugh could easily find a superior option than Allen, who profiles as a bubble quarterback who will likely get his chances as a No. 3 or on a practice squad. Guys like Jeff Driskel or Josh Dobbs have made entire careers of it.
Barring injury or a disaster, Giants fans should plan on seeing Winston in uniform come Week 1. But for the sanity of all parties, the MetLife Stadium crowd better hope that Winston isn’t the one leading the starting offense.
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