The wait for Aaron Rodgers continues. This is just a glimpse of what the Giants will have to deal with if he decides to sign with them.
So, with that, let's ask the question on every Giants fans' mind: Is he even worth the headache?
In other words, is the talent gap between Rodgers, 41, and other free agents like Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco and Jameis Winston so dramatic that it warrants the Giants waiting months for him?
The numbers say no.
That's not to say Rodgers was a slouch last season. He tossed the eighth most passing yards (3,897) and passing touchdowns (28) in the league, threw 11 interceptions, and had the 18th best Pro Football Focus quarterback grade (77.8).
He would be the best QB the Giants have seen in quite some time. But again: The talent gap between him and their Plan B free agent option isn't that big.
BUY GIANTS TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER
Wilson, for instance, can still sling it at 36 years old. He completed 63.7% of his throws for 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns in 11 starts for the Steelers, and ranked two spots behind Rodgers in PFF's rankings (77.5). Wilson also had more deep-ball success, completing 54% of passes 20-plus yards (compared to Rodgers' 39%). Surely stud receiver Malik Nabers would appreciate that after dealing with a starting trio of Daniel Jones, Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito in 2024.
Things would start to look dire if they strike out on Wilson.
Next in line is Winston, who finished with 2,121 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. This statline is par the course for a QB who once tossed 33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in a single season. He was PFF's 31st ranked QB with a 73.8 grade and a 37.1% completion percentage on deep balls (with 7 touchdowns and 3 interceptions). He might be the youngest option of the bunch, but that certainly doesn't mean he's the best.
Their last resort is 40-year-old Flacco, the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year just two years ago who has fallen off a cliff since then. Flacco posted a 2-4 record, 1,761 passing yards and a 12-7 touchdown-interception ratio in eight appearances with the Colts last season. He had the 35th best PFF QB grade (71.6) with a grade of 67.2 when he tried to throw it deep. Again, he isn't completely washed, but he's probably not turning them into overnight playoff contenders.
The only two QBs that even have a shot at doing that are Rodgers and Wilson -- the latter of whom should absolutely be in consideration as Joe Schoen's No. 1 QB option.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.