The New York Giants put forth a determined effort to acquire veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford this offseason, meeting every requirement necessary to secure his services. However, despite their aggressive pursuit, Stafford ultimately chose to remain with the Los Angeles Rams.
According to NFL Insider Rich Eisen, both the Giants and Tom Brady’s Las Vegas Raiders were seriously invested in the idea of bringing Stafford on board. The 37-year-old signal-caller was one of the most highly sought-after quarterbacks in the league following his impressive 2023 season, which saw him lead the Rams to the divisional round of the playoffs.
Reports suggest that the Giants did everything within their power to land Stafford, including offering a lucrative contract and assembling a deal that met the Rams’ trade compensation demands. Additionally, in a move seemingly designed to entice Stafford further, New York hired his brother-in-law, Chad Hall, as an assistant quarterbacks coach. This gesture underscored their commitment to making Stafford their franchise quarterback.
Eisen emphasized just how serious the Giants were in their pursuit, stating, “I heard the Giants hit the number—they not only hit the number for Stafford, but I heard from multiple people that they also met the trade compensation. They were all in.”
It was reported that both the Giants and Raiders were prepared to offer Stafford between $90 million and $100 million in guaranteed money over a two-year span. Despite these enticing offers, Stafford ultimately decided to stay put in Los Angeles, a decision influenced not just by football considerations but also by his and his family’s personal preferences.
Eisen shed some light on why Stafford declined the opportunity to leave, explaining, “At the end of the day, the Staffords like looking at the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, and when it all comes down to it, that’s the best spot for him.”
With Stafford now firmly committed to the Rams, the Giants have shifted their focus toward exploring other quarterback options. One name that has surfaced is Aaron Rodgers, the 40-year-old quarterback currently with the New York Jets. Rodgers, despite suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in 2023, remains a potential target for New York as they seek a proven leader under center.
The Giants’ offseason quarterback search is far from over, and after missing out on Stafford, their pursuit of an experienced signal-caller has only intensified. Whether Rodgers or another veteran quarterback becomes their next target remains to be seen, but New York’s front office has made it clear that they are committed to making a major move at the position ahead of the 2024 season.
