When fans discuss the potential quarterback competition for the New York Giants, they are typically referring to the starting quarterback job and whether or not it should still be Eli Manning’s or be given to the rookie Daniel Jones.
Little do they know, this is not the real quarterback competition being played out right now. Eli Manning’s job as the starting quarterback is safe. Pat Shurmur has urged the press to “slow their roll” and remind them that Eli Manning is this season’s starting quarterback.
But behind Manning and Jones, there are two other quarterbacks on the roster. Alex Tanney and Kyle Lauletta are involved in the Giants’ real quarterback competition. It is highly unlikely that the Giants will keep four quarterbacks on their roster, so one has to go. But who will go and who will stay?
Both Quarterbacks Looked Great In Preseason Week One
Daniel Jones stole the show with an impressive outing in preseason week one. His NFL debut was as strong as it possibly could have been as he finished the game 5/5 passing with 67 yards and 1 touchdown to top it off.
It was a strong showing from the rookie signal-caller, but a small sample size. Alex Tanney received the most playing time at quarterback and he too was impressive. Tanney threw a team-high 19 passes and completed 14 of them for 190 yards and 1 touchdown.
Tanney looked like a solid backup option if worst comes to absolute worst and the Giants are forced to play their third-string quarterback. But the fourth quarterback on their roster did not look too shabby himself.
Kyle Lauletta received more playing time than Daniel Jones, but less than Alex Tanney. Lauletta attempted 12 passes against the Jets and completed 9 of them. He gained 116 yards and scored 1 touchdown.
Both potential backup quarterbacks completed over 70% of their passes and topped 100 yards with 0 turnovers. It was a great showing for both Tanney and Lauletta. This will not make the Giants’ impending decision any easier.
Trade Value
Alex Tanney provides little to know trade value. The 31 year-old veteran backup has not played in an NFL game since 2015. But Tanney has been providing a veteran prescence in locker rooms for years now.
This quality has been important to the Giants over the past year. Alex Tanney signed with New York last offseason and did not see any playing time but did add another veteran leader to the locker room. Tanney signed a contract extension this offseason to continue playing his part.
Not many teams are lining up to trade for a 31 year-old quarterback with 1 career regular season game under his belt. But teams might look to trade for a second-year quarterback on a rookie contract with high-end backup potential.
Kyle Lauletta might not have starter potential, but he has the potential to be a long-term backup for a team. He is only 24 years-old and was a fourth-round draft pick just last offseason. Teams see Lauletta’s potential and might consider trading for him this offseason.
The Giants most likely would not get back the fourth-round pick that they invested in Lauletta. But getting something for Kyle Lauletta is certainly better than getting nothing. The Giants could look to trade Kyle Lauletta for a late-round draft pick.