The last time the New York Giants won the NFC East was in 2011. They also happened to pull off a stunning Super Bowl upset that year over the New England Patriots and Tom Brady as a Wild Card team, with Eli Manning at the helm.
The rest of their division seems to be trending upward. The Philadelphia Eagles won the last Super Bowl, and the Washington Commanders shocked everyone with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Meanwhile, the Giants’ offseason has most people scratching their heads.
Giants Might Be Using ‘Smoke Screen’ on NFL
The Giants have the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and nearly everyone assumed they would select a quarterback. Since Cam Ward is projected to go first overall to the Tennessee Titans, Shedeur Sanders seems like the most likely option.
However, the team signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, who each started in 2024. The Giants have multiple holes on their roster, and some believe they could trade back to stockpile picks and still land a quarterback later on. That scenario has already come up, yet the Giants continue to spend time evaluating Sanders.
Former NFL offensive lineman Ross Tucker, who spent much of his career in the NFC East, now hosts a podcast called “The Ross Football Podcast.” He recently had NFL analyst Greg Cosell on the show. Cosell said he doesn’t believe the Giants will select Sanders with that No. 3 pick, and Tucker added that he thinks New York might be trying to pull a fast one.
“I personally believe that is a smoke screen,” said Tucker. “Maybe they’re trying to get somebody to move up. I don’t believe the Giants. They probably knew this whole time that the Browns weren’t going to take him. So if you’re the Giants, why would you sign Winston and Russell Wilson if you’re going to take Shedeur Sanders number three overall?”
The Giants are scheduled to host Sanders for a second visit later this week, which Tucker believes is more misdirection.
Since news broke that Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that could affect his availability this season, the New Orleans Saints might be in the market for a quarterback. They currently sit at No. 9 overall but could look to trade up with the Giants to grab Sanders. The Giants could make that trade far more valuable by showing continued interest in him.
Sanders, arguably the most polarizing prospect in this year’s draft, has had a wild offseason. At the same time, Ward seems like a lock to go No. 1, whereas Sanders and other quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart land is much murkier. Some mock drafts have Sanders in the top five, while others show him sliding toward the end of the first round.
The Giants’ interest in Sanders didn’t convince everyone. PFSN’s latest mock draft has them taking one of the most talented players in the class — cornerback/wide receiver hybrid Travis Hunter.
This year’s quarterback class has made predicting the draft order tougher than usual, and the Giants seem content keeping everyone guessing just a little longer.