NFL Rumors: Giants Didn’t Have High Enough Grades to Draft McCarthy, Penix Jr. or Nix

The New York Giants saw six quarterbacks taken in the first 12 picks of the 2024 NFL draft but stood pat at the position, selecting LSU receiver Malik Nabers with the No. 6 pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

As it turns out, though, the Giants were active in attempting to replace Daniel Jones as the team’s franchise quarterback.

Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported the Giants offerd the New England Patriots a package that included the Nos. 6 and 47 pick in the 2024 NFL draft and a 2025 first-round pick in exchange the No. 3 selection. The Giants would have selected North Carolina’s Drake Maye in that scenario.

With the Patriots declining that offer, the Giants focused on Nabers after not having high enough grades on J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix or Bo Nix, the next three quarterbacks taken in Round 1.

Penix went No. 8 overall to the Atlanta Falcons, McCarthy was taken No. 10 by the Minnesota Vikings, and the Denver Broncos selected Nix at No. 12.

Nabers was considered by most as the best or second-best receiver in the 2024 class.

Jones is now slotted in as the Giants’ starting quarterback next season. The 2019 first-round pick has been a disappointment throughout his career, save for a strong 2022 season that convinced New York to hand him a four-year, $160 million contract. The Giants almost instantly regretted that deal as Jones struggled last season, and he’s guaranteed a $35.5 million base salary in 2024.

It’s unlikely Jones is the long-term option under center, but many believed the Giants reached for the Duke product five years ago. Fans should take solace in the new regime learning from the mistakes of its predecessor—even if it means stomaching another year of below-average quarterback play.