Giants' Roster Moves and Aaron Rodgers Rumors: What's Next for New York?

Giants Make Key Roster Moves Ahead of Free Agency

The New York Giants have been busy making roster moves as they prepare for the upcoming NFL free agency period. Let's break down the latest signings and what they mean for the team's future.

Chris Manherz Returns on One-Year Deal

Tight end Chris Manherz is set to return to the Giants on a one-year deal. Known primarily for his blocking skills, Manherz has been a valuable presence in the locker room and is well-regarded by both the coaching staff and front office. His return brings continuity and veteran leadership to the tight end position.

Key points about Manherz:

• Entering his 10th NFL season, second with the Giants
• Played all 17 games in 2023, starting 11
• Contributed 342 snaps on offense and 165 on special teams
• Career spans 137 regular-season games with 64 starts
• Unique background as a former college basketball player

While Manherz's receiving stats are modest (3 receptions for 30 yards and 1 touchdown in 2023), his primary value lies in his blocking ability and locker room presence.

Jamie Gillan Signs Three-Year Contract

Punter Jamie Gillan, nicknamed the "Scottish Hammer," has inked a new three-year deal with the Giants. The contract details are as follows:

• Average of $3 million per season
• Potential to reach $10.2 million with incentives
• $4 million guaranteed

Gillan's performance has been on an upward trajectory, with notable improvements in 2023:

• Only two touchbacks throughout the season
• Career-best 48.2% of punts landing inside the 20-yard line
• Demonstrated ability to flip field position with his powerful leg

It's worth noting that while the contract is structured as a three-year deal, the guaranteed money essentially makes it a one-year commitment with team options for the following two seasons.

Long Snapper Casey Kreiter Re-Signs

Completing the special teams trifecta, long snapper Casey Kreiter has also re-signed with the Giants. This move ensures continuity in the kicking game, as Kreiter will continue to work alongside Gillan and kicker Graham Gano.

Graham Gano Staying Put

Despite speculation about a potential release, it appears that kicker Graham Gano will remain with the Giants for the 2024 season. The team has opted not to make him a post-June 1 cut, which would have saved approximately $4 million in cap space.

Tommy DeVito Returns as QB3

Quarterback Tommy DeVito has exercised his option to return to the Giants for the 2024 season. As an exclusive rights free agent, DeVito's return was largely expected. He is currently the only active quarterback on the Giants' roster, though his role is likely to be that of a third-string or practice squad player.

Aaron Rodgers to the Giants? Rumors Intensify

As the Giants solidify their roster, speculation about the team's quarterback situation continues to grow. Recent reports suggest that the Giants may be in the mix for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Art Stapleton's Insights

Longtime Giants beat reporter Art Stapleton has provided some intriguing information regarding the possibility of Rodgers joining the Giants:

• The Giants are considered one of three potential landing spots for Rodgers, alongside the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers.
• New York appears to be the only team actively pursuing Rodgers at this time.
• The Giants have had discussions about what it would take to acquire Rodgers.
• The team has not been deterred by any aspect of potentially signing Rodgers.

Stapleton emphasized that the Giants are "significantly interested" in Rodgers and that it "would not be a shock" if he became the team's quarterback before the start of the new league year.

Timeline for Rodgers' Decision

The situation with Rodgers is expected to develop rapidly in the coming days:

• Rodgers is likely to be officially released by the New York Jets on Wednesday when the new league year begins.
• The Jets are expected to designate Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut to spread his cap hit over the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
• More concrete information about Rodgers' next destination may emerge between Monday and Wednesday.

Other Quarterback Options for the Giants

While Rodgers is the headline-grabbing name, the Giants are also exploring other veteran quarterback options:

1. Russell Wilson: The former Seahawks and Broncos quarterback is reportedly in discussions with the Giants.
2. Sam Darnold: Considered a potential "wild card" option for New York.

Implications for the Giants' 2024 Season

The roster moves and potential quarterback acquisition will have significant implications for the Giants' upcoming season.

Solidifying Special Teams

By re-signing Gillan, Kreiter, and retaining Gano, the Giants have ensured stability in their kicking game. This continuity can be crucial in close games and for field position battles throughout the season.

Tight End Depth

Manherz's return provides the Giants with a reliable blocking tight end, which is essential for both the running game and pass protection. His presence allows the team to focus on acquiring more receiving-oriented tight ends if needed.

Quarterback Conundrum

The potential addition of a veteran quarterback like Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson would significantly alter the Giants' offensive outlook for 2024. Such a move would likely push the team into "win-now" mode, leveraging the experience and skill of a proven NFL starter.

However, if the Giants opt for a less splashy signing like Sam Darnold or choose to stick with an unproven option like Tommy DeVito, it could signal a more patient, rebuilding approach.

Draft Implications

The Giants' quarterback decision will have a ripple effect on their draft strategy:

• If they sign a veteran like Rodgers or Wilson, the team may focus on surrounding them with offensive weapons or bolstering the defense in the early rounds.
• Should they go with a stopgap option or stick with DeVito, drafting a quarterback early becomes much more likely.

Salary Cap Considerations

The Giants' moves so far have been relatively conservative in terms of cap space. However, signing a high-profile quarterback like Rodgers would require significant financial maneuvering:

• The team may need to restructure existing contracts or make additional cuts to accommodate a large quarterback salary.
• Long-term cap planning will be crucial, especially if the Giants commit to an older quarterback like Rodgers.

Fan and Media Reaction

The possibility of Aaron Rodgers joining the Giants has generated mixed reactions among fans and media:

• Excitement: Many see Rodgers as a potential game-changer who could immediately elevate the Giants' offense.
• Skepticism: Others worry about Rodgers' age, recent injury history, and the cost of acquiring him.
• Long-term concerns: Some fans prefer a younger option or drafting a quarterback for the future.

Coaching Staff Adjustments

Bringing in a veteran quarterback like Rodgers or Wilson would likely necessitate some adjustments to the Giants' offensive scheme:

• The coaching staff may need to tailor their playbook to suit the strengths of their new quarterback.
• There could be a shift in offensive philosophy, potentially moving towards a more pass-heavy approach.

Impact on Team Culture

The addition of a high-profile quarterback and the return of respected veterans like Manherz could significantly impact the Giants' locker room dynamics:

• Leadership: A veteran QB could provide valuable mentorship to younger players.
• Expectations: The pressure to win immediately may increase with a marquee quarterback acquisition.

Competitive Landscape in the NFC East

The Giants' quarterback decision will affect how they stack up against their division rivals:

• Philadelphia Eagles: Still considered the team to beat in the division.
• Dallas Cowboys: Consistently competitive but with questions about their playoff performance.
• Washington Commanders: Also in a period of transition with a new coaching staff.

A significant upgrade at quarterback could potentially vault the Giants into playoff contention within the division.

Looking Ahead to Free Agency

As the NFL's free agency period approaches, the Giants will need to address several other areas of need:

• Offensive line: Improving protection for whoever is under center will be crucial.
• Wide receivers: Adding weapons to the passing game remains a priority.
• Defensive reinforcements: Bolstering the pass rush and secondary could help balance the team.

Conclusion

The New York Giants are at a crossroads as they approach the 2024 season. Their recent roster moves have solidified certain positions, but the biggest question mark remains at quarterback. The coming days will be crucial as the team navigates free agency and potentially makes a franchise-altering decision at the most important position in football.

Whether it's Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, or another option, the Giants' quarterback choice will set the tone for their immediate future and long-term planning. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the situation unfolds, eager to see how the team positions itself for success in the competitive NFC East and beyond.

As the Giants continue to shape their roster and pursue their quarterback of the future, the 2024 season promises to be one of intrigue and potential transformation for the storied franchise.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy8QfNr5xO8