In a surprising twist of fate, the New York Giants attempted to leapfrog their competition in the draft but found themselves securing their quarterback later than anticipated.

Despite the Titans making it clear that the coveted No. 1 overall pick was off the table—settling on Miami quarterback Cam Ward—the Giants explored every avenue to move up. ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed that the Giants offered a tempting deal that included their No. 3 pick, a future first-rounder in 2026, and additional assets.

Giants General Manager Joe Schoen confirmed the hustle: "We’ve had conversations going up and back; it takes two to tango in these situations. Unfortunately, Tennessee stayed put and picked Ward."

Staying put at No. 3, the Giants opted for standout Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, a decision Schoen defended by placing Carter in the top three of their draft board, despite the initial lure of Ward.

But the story didn’t end there. The Giants eventually traded with Houston, moving up to the 25th pick to secure their quarterback: Ole Miss standout Jaxson Dart. "We traded up for him and are ecstatic to have him," Schoen expressed, highlighting Dart's potential while noting the steep learning curve ahead.

Adding to their quarterback room, the Giants signed Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson in free agency, naming him their starter. This strategic move ensures that the franchise is well-prepared for what's to come.

Ultimately, despite their ambitious pursuits in the draft, the Giants are optimistic about their haul and the direction of the franchise!