Jaxson Dart, the New York Giants’ starting quarterback, just got hit with season-ending knee surgery, and just like that, their whole 2026 plan is toast. Giants head coach John Harbaugh isn’t messing around, though, making it clear they’re absolutely bringing in another QB, even if he can’t spill the beans on who just yet. When asked if a trade was on the table, Harbaugh was blunt: “All options are open.” That’s a strong signal the phone lines are buzzing over there, but Harbaugh and GM Joe Schoen might not like what they hear.
Harbaugh Wants A Veteran, But Good Luck Finding One
Harbaugh’s looking for a “veteran” quarterback, which probably means someone older, wiser, and definitely not a rookie trade target. The problem? He might not be able to be picky. The pool of unemployed QBs who could actually start a game is already super shallow. And the trade market? Man, that thing is barely a puddle right now. The Giants watched Jameis Winston struggle against the Rams, and that’s exactly why they need help. But get this: Winston is one of the five highest-paid backups in the league! That tells you how tough it is to find a decent backup, let alone someone good enough to trade for but not good enough to start for their own team.
Why Trading For A Quality Backup Is Nearly Impossible
Teams that made the playoffs last season aren’t letting go of their insurance policies. The 49ers, for example, went 5-3 with Mac Jones after Brock Purdy got hurt, even beating the Rams in their own house. They made the playoffs! Why would they give up a player who helped them get there, even if he’s due to hit free agency later? They’d rather snag the compensatory pick value down the line. Same story with the Texans, who went 3-0 with Davis Mills filling in for an injured C.J. Stroud. They made the playoffs too. It’s safe to say Spencer Rattler for the Saints or Carson Wentz for the Vikings are probably off limits for the same reasons. What about Anthony Richardson from the Colts? He’s an interesting name, sure, but he hasn’t played much in two years and screams “developmental piece” more than “plug-and-play veteran” Harbaugh wants. The Raiders aren’t trading Kirk Cousins when they’re sitting pretty at 2-0 and actually using him. And let’s be real, who’s trading for any of the Falcons’ QBs? Nobody. The Steelers might offload Mason Rudolph, but giving up serious draft capital for him feels foolish, as it would for Gardner Minshew or others like him. Tyler Huntley is likely unavailable.
So What’s Left For The Giants?
With the trade market looking bleaker than a Monday morning after a Seahawks loss, it seems way more likely the Giants are going to sign a “street veteran.” We’re talking about guys like Brandon Allen, who’s got strong connections with Giants QB coach Brian Callahan, or maybe even Jimmy Garoppolo or Josh Johnson. It’s not the splashy move you might hope for after losing your starter, but when “all options are open,” sometimes you gotta pick from what’s on the sidewalk. They need someone now, and fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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