When the search for a team’s quarterback becomes a daily soap opera, you know there’s a problem. That is exactly the kind of problem the New York Giants have at the moment.
From the moment Matthew Stafford decided to stay with the Los Angeles Rams and the Giants shifted their focus to Aaron Rodgers, they invited in the daily baggage and trouble that follows him. We all know Rodgers is a complicated individual who marches to the beat of his own drum. Everyone knew this when the Giants considered him.
Yes, Rodgers is a future Hall of Fame quarterback who still has some ability left and can play at a decent level. We saw that last season. We also saw the New York Jets dump him after just two seasons and move on. The same Jets who traded away a fortune to get Rodgers to New Jersey decided two years was enough.
The Giants don’t even have Rodgers under contract yet, and he’s already been a headache for the franchise. While Rodgers takes his sweet time on the beaches of Malibu deciding his future in 2025, the Giants’ quarterback situation remains in limbo. Russell Wilson is ready to sign, but is it with the Giants? What about Joe Flacco and Jameis Winston? Are they going to wait around forever, or will the Giants get left at the altar while Rodgers goes elsewhere?
Speaking of elsewhere, could that be the Pittsburgh Steelers? If so, they might be just as frustrated, considering Steelers veteran Cam Heyward spoke out about Rodgers and his inability to make a decision. Maybe the Steelers wanted Heyward to speak up to get the ball moving. Maybe the Giants should do the same with one of their own veterans.
Which, really, is a problem. The truth is, if Rodgers truly wanted to be with the Giants—or anywhere else—he would have decided by now. If he wanted to be in New York, he would have signed in the first week of free agency. When the Giants were the only team in the mix, that was the ideal time for him to commit. But instead, this has turned into a waiting game. The Minnesota Vikings have already removed themselves from the mix, stating they’re sticking with J.J. McCarthy. So now, it’s the Steelers and Giants waiting to see if Rodgers will join them or retire.
The Giants can't wait forever for Rodgers
Here’s what the Giants need to do: They need to tell him thank you for the interest, but it’s time to move on. Because deep down, Rodgers doesn’t want to be a Giant. He never really did. Two years ago, Rodgers wanted the Jets and forced his way into a trade from the Packers. That was always his preferred destination. He only wanted the Giants when they were the only team involved. He wasn’t choosing the Giants—he was settling for them.
When another team entered the mix, Rodgers' interest shifted. That should have been the Giants’ signal to move on. Instead, they’ve kept waiting when they could have already signed Wilson, Flacco, or Winston and had a plan in place for 2025. Instead, they’re likely just waiting for Rodgers to tell them he isn’t coming.
Maybe Rodgers was worth the drama and headaches five years ago when he was still in MVP form. But that version of Rodgers isn’t available. The one that is available is 41 years old and may not play much longer, if at all. The one that is available was just told by the team that shares a stadium with the Giants to take a hike. Even if the Giants land Rodgers, at best, they get two years—if that—before he walks away. Is it really worth putting their offseason on hold for a quarterback who might retire at any moment? Not even close. This isn’t a headache the Giants need.
The Giants should be focused on deciding on a possible quarterback with the third overall pick in next month’s draft—whether that’s Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders as a future franchise guy, or if Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milroe is worth developing behind a veteran. Those are the conversations that should be happening right now, especially when Tommy DeVito is the only quarterback on the roster.
They shouldn’t be waiting on Rodgers to make up his mind. The Giants can’t let Rodgers hold their quarterback plans hostage. It’s time for New York to walk away and let Rodgers figure out his future somewhere else.