The New York Giants’ quarterback situation remains in flux — and it might take a dramatic turn early. Following Derek Carr’s surprise retirement, speculation has emerged that the Giants could shake up their depth chart by trading veteran Jameis Winston to the New Orleans Saints.
Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News floated the idea shortly after NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo broke the news that Carr, 34, has officially called it quits. Carr reportedly underwent several evaluations on a lingering shoulder issue, with surgery being the only path to full recovery. Faced with a six-month rehab and a season on injured reserve, Carr opted to retire instead. Ironically, he suffered the shoulder injury in Week 14 — against the Giants.
Leonard argued that Winston’s fit with the Giants is questionable at best and that a reunion with the Saints, where he played from 2020 to 2023, would make much more sense. Winston signed with the Giants just this past March but still has ties — and potential — in New Orleans.
However, despite the trade chatter, the Giants may not be so quick to part with Winston. He was brought in to add stability to a long-troubled QB room. The former No. 1 overall pick revived his career last year with the Cleveland Browns, helping them to key divisional wins over the Ravens and Steelers while showcasing both his resilience and signature deep-ball prowess.
That arm strength fits the theme of New York’s new quarterback group, which now features Russell Wilson — known for his own vertical passing game — and rookie first-rounder Jaxson Dart. Winston’s presence remains vital, especially considering Wilson’s uneven rebound in Pittsburgh and the team’s cautious approach with Dart’s development.
While some insiders are puzzled by the Giants’ layered QB strategy, others see it as a long-overdue effort to solidify the position. Critics have questioned the logic behind trading back into the first round for Dart when veterans like Wilson and Winston were already on the roster. But supporters argue the Giants now have the depth to avoid desperate quarterback moves for at least two seasons.
Dart, the presumed quarterback of the future, has already made a strong early impression at rookie minicamp — particularly with a deep-ball connection to undrafted receiver Da’Quan Felton that caught fans’ attention on social media.
Still, even with Dart showing promise, Winston could prove essential in the short term — providing insurance behind Wilson and allowing the rookie time to grow. Unless Dart forces the Giants’ hand sooner than expected, Winston’s role in New York may be more crucial than it appears.
