With Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll officially back at the helm, the New York Giants face a crucial question: Who will be the starting quarterback for the 2025 season?
On January 6, ESPN’s offseason breakdown kicked off, with analyst Ben Solak offering his bold prediction for the Giants’ QB future. Solak noted that while the Giants are desperate for a new quarterback, they are equally in need of a significant offseason victory to move past the disappointing situation surrounding Saquon Barkley. His prediction: “Whichever quarterback the Minnesota Vikings don’t commit to — either free agent Sam Darnold or injured rookie J.J. McCarthy — will end up in New York and be the starting quarterback in 2025.”
Whether it’s Darnold or McCarthy, either choice would be a bold move for Schoen. If Darnold is the target, the Giants would likely have to offer him a lucrative deal with substantial financial guarantees. USA Today Sports has estimated that Darnold could command a three-year contract worth $110 million, with $55 million guaranteed, if Minnesota doesn’t use the franchise tag on him.
McCarthy, on the other hand, would come at a lower cost financially but would likely require a trade. Prior to Week 18, rumors surfaced about the possibility of the Giants acquiring the 2024 first-round pick via trade.
Sam Darnold: A Risky Move?
Solak’s comments underscore the Giants’ urgency to find a reliable quarterback, and that desperation could lead to making hasty decisions. Paying Darnold, who has only had one strong season in his career, may evoke memories of the Giants’ controversial extension of Daniel Jones. Darnold has not proven he can lead a franchise to success on his own, with lackluster stints in both New York (Jets) and Carolina.
Would he fare any better with the Giants? His additional cap hit could limit the team’s ability to address other key areas on both offense and defense. This situation may remind fans of the days when Jones’ performance after a solid playoff run made him seem like the better option over Darnold. However, the comparison raises the question: Are the two quarterbacks really that far apart in talent?
Another concern is Darnold’s previous failure in New York. Would he even be willing to return, considering his past struggles in the city?
J.J. McCarthy: A Potential Gamble
The McCarthy option isn’t without its risks either. While he has more potential than Darnold, especially at just 22 years old, the Giants passed on McCarthy during the 2024 NFL Draft. Instead, they selected wide receiver Malik Nabers, signaling they weren’t overly high on the Michigan quarterback at the time. Schoen and Daboll even appeared to target quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye in trades, rather than McCarthy.
If the Vikings are asking for the Giants’ 2025 first-round pick (currently No. 3 overall), it puts the team in a difficult position. Should they trade for the player they passed on just one year ago? McCarthy’s knee surgeries as a rookie further complicate the situation, as it’s uncertain whether he would be ready for Week 1 of 2025, both physically and mentally.
The Road Ahead
In the end, both Darnold and McCarthy could be the best options for the Giants, despite their flaws. The current quarterback market is bleak, and Schoen and Daboll must make a decision soon to address this pressing need. Whether they choose the stability and risk of Darnold or the upside and uncertainty of McCarthy, the future of the Giants’ quarterback position is far from settled. The clock is ticking, and it’s up to the Giants’ front office to figure out the best path forward.
