Following another dismal season, the New York Giants remain trapped in a cycle of mediocrity. With a roster that lacks firepower, an offense struggling to find its rhythm, and no clear long-term solution at quarterback, the Giants must take bold action. One move stands out above the rest—acquiring the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft from the Tennessee Titans to select Miami Hurricanes star quarterback Cam Ward.
Another Year of Frustration
Few moments encapsulate the Giants’ disastrous 2024 season more than seeing erstwhile star running back Saquon Barkley sign with the Philadelphia Eagles. Of course, he proceeded to dominate, rushing for over 2,000 yards and helping the Eagles hoist the Lombardi Trophy. For Giants fans, the pain of a 3-14 season was only magnified by watching their former franchise cornerstone thrive in enemy territory.
That said, Barkley’s departure was just one of many missteps. The Giants also had to face the consequences of their ill-fated decision to hand Daniel Jones a four-year, $160 million extension before the 2023 season. Ten games into a woeful 2024 campaign, Jones was benched and later released. That cemented the impression that he was an expensive mistake. Beyond that, not much went right for the Giants. Of course, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers was one of the few bright spots. He flashed elite playmaking potential. Now, with a full-scale rebuild on the horizon, GM Joe Schoen and his front office must start where it matters most: securing a true franchise quarterback.
Here we’ll try to identify the perfect trade that the New York Giants must try to complete in the 2025 NFL offseason.
The Quarterback Dilemma
For much of the 2024 season, the Giants appeared destined to secure the No. 1 overall pick. That would have finally put an end to their long-standing struggles at quarterback. However, an unexpected Week 17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts disrupted those plans. It dropped New York to the third overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
That seemingly minor shift in draft positioning could have major ramifications. With quarterback-needy teams like the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns holding the top two picks, the Giants now risk missing out on both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, two of the draft’s premier signal-callers. If that happens, Schoen may be forced to explore alternative options. They could either trade back to target a second-tier prospect like Kyle McCord or Jaxson Dart, or even bypass the quarterback position entirely in the early rounds.
Could the Giants pivot to the veteran market instead? Names like Geno Smith, Aaron Rodgers, and Justin Fields could be floated as potential short-term solutions. Meanwhile, others such as Sam Darnold or Derek Carr could emerge as fallback options. Schoen has multiple paths to addressing the team’s quarterback crisis. That said, none are as clear-cut or promising as securing a top-tier prospect in this year’s draft.
Moving Up for Cam Ward
This year’s No. 1 overall pick could be available for the right price—something that should immediately grab the attention of the quarterback-starved Giants. Unlike last season, this year presents a unique opportunity. The Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders refused to entertain trade offers for the first two picks in 2024, while the New England Patriots only feigned interest in moving down before ultimately standing pat.
The 2025 draft landscape is different. The Titans, who own the No. 1 pick, may be willing to entertain offers. Tennessee currently has just one top-100 selection and eight total picks in this year’s draft. That’s far from an ideal position for a team that still has multiple roster holes to fill. Trading down to No. 3 would allow them to stay within range of their preferred non-quarterback target, whether it’s dynamic edge rusher Abdul Carter or two-way superstar Travis Hunter. They would also accumulate valuable draft capital.
For the Giants, sitting at No. 3 places them in a strategic position. If Tennessee is open to negotiations, New York has a chance to move up. This would ensure they secure the franchise quarterback they desperately need rather than hoping for a fortunate turn of events on draft night.
The Ideal Trade Scenario
With their quarterback situation in flux and the pressure mounting from fans and ownership alike, the Giants must take an aggressive approach. They could package their first-round pick (No. 3 overall) and a future second-round selection to move up to No. 1 and guarantee themselves the chance to draft Cam Ward. The Titans, already set at quarterback with Will Levis, would benefit from acquiring additional assets while still remaining in a strong draft position.
Giants Receive:
2025 First-Round Pick (No. 1 overall)
Titans Receive:
2025 First-Round Pick (No. 3 overall)
2026 Second-Round Pick
By making this move, the Giants would be able to select Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward, an electrifying talent with the tools to become the face of the franchise for years to come.
Why Ward is the Answer
Ward’s meteoric rise has made him one of the most sought-after prospects in this year’s draft class. His exceptional arm talent, ability to make quick reads, and natural playmaking instincts set him apart from the rest of the pack. In his final season at Miami, he lit up defenses with over 4,300 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions, showcasing his ability to dominate at the collegiate level.
Beyond the stats, Ward possesses the intangibles that make great quarterbacks thrive in the NFL. His poise under pressure, mobility in and out of the pocket, and ability to extend plays make him a perfect fit for head coach Brian Daboll’s offensive scheme. The Giants need a quarterback who can not only make the routine throws but also create magic when plays break down—Ward checks every box.
Final Thoughts
The New York Giants have reached a turning point. After years of searching for stability at the most important position in football, they now have the opportunity to rewrite their future. Trading up to secure the No. 1 overall pick and selecting Cam Ward wouldn’t just be a move for the present—it would be a statement of intent for the franchise moving forward. If the Giants pull the trigger on this deal, they set themselves up with a potential franchise quarterback who can lead them out of their current rut and into a new era of competitiveness. However, if they hesitate or settle for a stopgap solution, they risk prolonging their rebuild and frustrating a fanbase hungry for success. The time for bold action is now. The Giants must make their move, or they may find themselves stuck in mediocrity for years to come.
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