Remember when names like Josh Rosen and Sam Darnold plagued the media leading up to the 2018 NFL Draft? You probably also remember the New York Giant being linked to both heavily. Obviously, GM Dave Gettleman elected to take generational running back Saquon Barkley instead – a controversial move but one that helped the Giants become the highest scoring team in the NFC East.
Nonetheless, the team moved forward with the intention of retaining Eli Manning as the starting quarterback. One year later, he remains in the same position – 38-years-old, playing for a rebuilding team that simply can’t let go of two Super Bowls that occurred over eight years ago.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I appreciate Manning for all he’s done throughout his career, but when considering the current state of the team, it’s worth finding a successor.
Where the New York Giants will look to find a QB:
The 2019 draft could be the perfect opportunity for the Giants to find their next franchise quarterback. However, they could also look back to 2018 as an alternative. The Cardinals have been rumored to have interest in a potential trade including Josh Rosen, who could be replaced by Kyler Murray with the 1st overall pick.
Theoretically, this rumor presents an opportunity for the Giants to grab not only the best running back from 2018 but arguably the best pocket passer. Despite having lost a year off his rookie deal, Rosen has the raw talent and accuracy to be a perfect fit with the Giants.
Why Rosen could be successful with the NYG:
A rebuilt offensive line and plenty of weapons would allow him to utilize his skillset properly. Arizona offered him the worst line in the league and barely any recognizable players.
If Gettleman was able to secure Rosen for draft capital not including a first-rounder, it would allow the team to cut ties with Eli Manning and his $17 million cap hit. Additionally, they could cut Olivier Vernon and save $8 million. With $25 million to add to the team’s existing $27 million in cap, they could sign right tackle Daryll Williams and a top edge rusher/safety. It seems as if Gettleman is trying to open up the cap and get rid of several bad contracts left over from the Jerry Reese era.
Filling the holes with quality draft picks seems to be the ideology he’s following, and while it takes a bit longer to achieve, it can be a dynasty building decision.