With Matthew Stafford restructuring his contract last weekend to return to the Los Angeles Rams, the New York Giants will have to pivot at quarterback and look for another veteran to bring in this offseason, along with whichever rookie they draft in a few weeks.
There was a lot of buzz around the NFL Combine last week that the Giants would be favorites to land the 37-year-old Stafford. He was one of general manager Joe Schoen's top priorities this offseason, and the Giants expressed significant interest in him when reports suggested the former Super Bowl champion could be available for trade.
With Stafford off the table, Aaron Rodgers has emerged as a potential option. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that Rodgers reached out to the Giants during the NFL Combine, expressing his interest in playing for them. This sparked plenty of discussion about the possibility of the future Hall of Famer joining Big Blue.
Giants insider Art Stapleton appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and said he wouldn’t be shocked if Rodgers ended up as the Giants' quarterback next season, believing both sides could negotiate a deal in the coming weeks.
The 41-year-old could be a short-term solution for the Giants while mentoring a young quarterback, but not everyone is on board with the idea—especially after his past two seasons with the Jets.
Not only are Giants fans divided on signing Rodgers, but free agent wide receiver Darius Slayton is too. In a recent interview on the Talkin' Ball with Pat Leonard podcast, Slayton said the Giants should build their offense around a young quarterback or a veteran like Sam Darnold, arguing that Rodgers is already set in his ways and wouldn’t be adaptable.
Darius Slayton @Young_Slay2 would want to see the #Giants mold their offense around a young QB or even a vet like Sam Darnold for example.
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) March 6, 2025
What about Aaron Rodgers?
"Maybe not that much of a vet."
Ha. Slayton explains: "Aaron Rodgers is Aaron Rodgers. You ain't molding him."… pic.twitter.com/zu4aYtHFVe
Darius Slayton does not think the Giants should sign Aaron Rodgers
Slayton is set to hit the open market this offseason and is expected to draw interest from multiple teams. Still, a return to the Giants in 2025 seems unlikely.
The veteran wideout has been with the organization since 2019 after being drafted in the fifth round out of Auburn. During his time in New York, the 28-year-old has been the team's most consistent receiver, leading them in receiving yards multiple times and making one playoff appearance.
With the Giants' young receiver core featuring Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt, Slayton may not fit into the team's long-term plans.
In his interview with Leonard, Slayton emphasized his desire to land with a contender and be in an advantageous situation. One team that could make sense for him is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are looking to add another wideout alongside George Pickens.
While the Giants could pursue Slayton in free agency, signing Rodgers might make a return less appealing for him. However, it could attract other players like Davante Adams, who has a strong relationship with Rodgers from their time together on the Packers and Jets.
It’s a good thing Slayton isn’t sitting in Schoen’s chair making the decisions. If he were, the Giants’ future—especially at quarterback—might look a whole lot different.