Giants reportedly considered quarterback on Day 2

There's yet another sign that the New York Giants aren't quite as all-in on quarterback Daniel Jones as some thought back in March. 

For a piece published on Wednesday, Giants beat writer Paul Schwartz of the New York Post suggested that Big Blue considered taking a flier on Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker during the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft this past weekend. 

Schwartz noted that the Giants welcomed Hooker for a visit during the predraft process, in part to examine his recovery from the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee he suffered in November. 

"They figured he might be worth their pick late in the third round — No. 89 overall — as a stash-away," Schwartz added. 

The Detroit Lions did not let Hooker fall to pick No. 89, though, and instead grabbed him via selection No. 68. New York ultimately traded up from No. 89 to No. 73 in order to acquire Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. 

The Giants spending a third-round pick on a "stash-away" quarterback months after they notched a playoff win makes little sense at first glance, considering that the club earlier this offseason signed Jones to a four-year contract that reportedly could be worth up to $160M. Multiple insiders have noted that the agreement has a so-called "escape hatch" that could allow the Giants to move on from Jones after the 2024 campaign. 

Meanwhile, Schwartz and Kyle Meinke of Mlive.com are among the noteworthy individuals who have relayed that Hooker may spend the entire upcoming NFL season recovering from his knee surgery. 

Schwartz said that Hooker could have become an eventual replacement for backup Tyrod Taylor, who is in the final year of his contract. It also should not be ignored that New York general manager Joe Schoen may have viewed Hooker as insurance -- just in case Jones does not look like the real deal by January, 2025.