5 QBs who could be Giants Week 1 2024 starter with Daniel Jones injured

Sound the alarms. In the NY Giants lopsided 30-6 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, the main takeaway was the injury suffered by quarterback Daniel Jones. Moments ago, NFL insider Ian Rapoport has reported that the G-Men fear he has suffered a torn ACL - just brutal.

With the way his knee buckled, you had a feeling this was going to be serious for Jones. Should Jones miss the start of next season, it will open the door for a new QB of the future to be taken in the NFL Draft. Could Joe Schoen look for a new starter in free agency too? Here's a look at intriguing options who could start Week 1 in '24:

5. Washington QB Michael Penix Jr.

Countless headlines were made on Saturday when Schoen was spotted at the Washington-USC game. While a lot of people connected Shoen with USC star Caleb Williams, many people are arguing that he wasn't the best QB out on the field for the massive Pac-12 showdown. Nope, instead, folks are convinced Michael Penix Jr. was the No. 1 guy.

The UW standout, who transferred in from Indiana, was nothing short of sensational in the 52-42 victory for the Huskies. Penix has UW as the No. 5 ranked team in the country, as he has powered the team to incredible wins over both Oregon and USC this year. Fans are dreaming of a trip to the College Football Playoff, with Penix raising his Heisman stock too.

On the season, Penix has thrown for 3,201 yards, 26 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. He's got a cannon for a left arm and he has the ability to throw the ball all over the field. Penix is looked at as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. If he's on the board for Schoen and some of his other targets have already been taken, then who knows, maybe he has a future in East Rutherford.

4. QB Tyrod Taylor

Tyrod Taylor is in the last year of his contract, but could he be willing to return for another season on a new deal? No, Taylor isn't the long-term option for this team, but he could be a solid option for the short term next season either as a solid back-up signal-caller, or a veteran QB to help bring along a youngster if Schoen goes that direction.

With the way the season has played out, it really does feel like the Giants will be in a position to use their upcoming first-round pick on a new quarterback. Schoen took a gamble in giving Jones his four-year, $160 million extension and it has proven to be a major mistake from him. Hey, we can't turn back the clock, so all we can do is focus on what's to come down the road.

If Taylor does return on a one-year contract, we actually wouldn't mind seeing him start Week 1 over a rookie. Taylor, who unfortunately suffered a rib injury vs. the Jets and is currently on Injured Resere, powered the Giants to a thrilling win over the Commanders not long ago. In that win, he tossed for two touchdowns. He's proven he can step up when Brian Daboll needs him.

3. QB Drake Maye

Another player from the college game that Giants fans are keeping a close eye on this season is Drake Maye. The North Carolina star has been putting up video game-type numbers for the Tar Heels and some experts even think he has what it takes to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Thus far this campaign, the 6-4, 230-pounder has tossed for 2,803 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. Maye has a fantastic right arm and similar to Penix and Williams, he can make any throw that an offensive coordinator asks him to make. He has all the tools to be a stud at the next level, which is why so many fanbases want him in their city:

As much as we wanted things to work out for Jones after he helped the Giants get back to the postseason for the first time since 2016, it looks like the former Duke playmaker isn't the answer for Schoen. Perhaps a Tar Heel is? Throughout the offseason, Maye will surely be mentioned as a draft possibility for NY - and a lot of Big Blue supporters wouldn't mind at all if Schoen sends his name in.

2. QB Gardner Minshew

Before we get to who you already know is No. 1 on this list, we've got to discuss another veteran in Gardner Minshew. Minshew is a bit of a journeyman already, as he's suited up for the Jaguars, Eagles and Colts in his five years in the NFL. Minshew became a national sensation playing for Mike Leach and Washington State in college.

He powered the Cougs to an 11-win season, their best campaign in school history. These days, Minshew is the starter for the Colts, as first-round pick Anthony Richardson went down with a season-ending injury. While Minshew isn't a superstar by any means, he's still proven that he can post some strong games and make clutch throws. He'll be a free agent this offseason.

Entering Sunday's meeting with the Indianapolis Colts, Minshew had tossed for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns. Similar to Taylor, he could be a veteran backup to lead the offense out onto the field over a rookie - or, he could prove to be a solid No. 2 option behind Jones too if he's ready to come back sooner than we think. Regardless, Minshew is a gamer and his experience alone would be great for this young offense.

1. QB Caleb Williams

You knew we were going to save the best for last. Williams is being looked at as the savior by fans and he's got No. 1 pick written all over him. Despite suffering a loss to Washington over the weekend, Williams was brilliant in the primetime Pac-12 dance, throwing for 312 yards and three touchdowns for his team.

Interestingly enough, CBS' Chris Trapasso dropped a new NFL Mock Draft this week and he has Schoen pulling off a blockbuster trade with the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 1 overall pick - and with that pick, Trapasso likes the G-Men going all-in for Williams to try and get things going on the right track for the NFC East side.

"The Giants swing for the fences with Williams, who hasn't exactly lit up college football the past few weeks but has franchise-caliber abilities."

Chris Trapasso

Williams and USC are in a bit of a tough stretch right now, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he's an elite prospect. Schoen had to be impressed with what he saw out of the youngster against UW. With Schoen adding a second-round pick for '24 in the Leonard Williams deal, that's an extra piece he could use if he wants to try and trade up for someone like the USC stud.