The New York Giants are heading into the 2024 season with a lot of unknowns about the future of their quarterback position. Daniel Jones, who suffered a torn ACL last season, is in for a make-or-break season to determine if he will be the franchise quarterback for the long term. They also signed backup Drew Lock in the event of an injury or poor play, but they could be in the mix for another talented backup.
Bleacher Report suggests Taylor Heinicke as a trade option for the Giants
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox wrote that the Giants could trade for Atlanta Falcons backup and former Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke given the lack of playing opportunities he currently would have in Atlanta.
“The New York Giants could look for added insurance as Daniel Jones recovers from a torn ACL—that’s where the Cardinals were with Kyler Murray when they traded for Dobbs,” Knox wrote. “The Las Vegas Raiders could have interest in Heinicke if they aren’t thrilled with how the competition between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew is unfolding.”
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Heinicke’s experience could be intriguing
It isn’t 100% certain if Daniel Jones will be ready to start Week 1, but all the trends are pointing towards him being ready for the start of the season. However, Heinicke could be a solid insurance pick-up as he is someone with experience of leading a team.
In 2020 with the Washington Football Team (now known as the Commanders), Heinicke was tabbed as the starter for their Wild Card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after Alex Smith was ruled out with an injury, and he threw for 306 yards on a 59% completion rate with one passing touchdown in the game despite falling just short of defeating the eventual Super Bowl champions.
In 2022, Washington was 5-3-1 in the games that Heinicke started, and he threw 1,859 passing yards on a 62.2% completion rate with 12 touchdown passes and six interceptions in those nine games. His starting experience could be an enticing addition, but the Giants may not want to fork over a late-round draft pick for a player who might not even see the field for New York.
There isn’t much of an expectation that the G-men will add another quarterback before the start of the season, as the organization clearly has put their entire faith in Jones bouncing back. However, if certain circumstances warrant it, perhaps they make a move to bring in the veteran backup in Heinicke.
