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Recent NFL trade increases urgency for the Giants to make a QB move of their own and there's an obvious trade partner

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Joe DeLeone | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 7:43 PM ET

The New York Giants do not need both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.

Let me repeat that, because apparently it isn't clear to the Giants' front office: the New York Giants do not need both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.

Yesterday, a desperate Cincinnati Bengals team traded a fifth-round pick for a 40-year-old Joe Flacco in a rare interdivisional trade. This move drew attention to the Giants' unusual quarterback situation of having two startable quarterbacks on their bench. Both Winston and Wilson are capable of filling in for contending teams while their starter are unavailable.

Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Bengals didn't consider calling the Giants for either Winston or Wilson. The non-action by the Bengals highlighted why the Giants must be aggressive to capitalize on the valuable players they aren't even using.

The Bengals internally discussed different options at QB. I’m told the team never called the Giants about trading for either Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston before making a move for veteran Joe Flacco.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 7, 2025

The Giants must move one of their QBs to the Ravens

Now that the Bengals have made a move for a fill-in quarterback, the Giants need to be aggressive about pushing the Baltimore Ravens to take Winston or Wilson. The Giants' roster, specifically the wide receiver room, desperately needs talent. It's redundant to keep both QBs.

Right now, the Ravens are in a free fall with star quarterback Lamar Jackson dealing with an injury. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush filled in against the Texans and struggled with 179 yards and three interceptions. They need a better option if they want to stay in the playoff hunt.

It's not possible to predict if another similar situation will arise before the trade deadline. Additionally, other teams dealing with banged-up starters have high-quality options, such as the San Francisco 49ers with Mac Jones and the Minnesota Vikings with Carson Wentz. However, this doesn't mean a team that has a healthy starter doesn't see what's happening across the NFL and feel the urgency to add a backup with playing experience.

The philosophy behind this pitch is that the Giants have two assets that teams competing for playoff spots need. The Giants do not need both Wilson and Winston, and recouping value for either is crucial before it's too late.

New York doesn't need to orchestrate a trade to include a wide receiver directly. Still, they could theoretically use whatever draft capital they get for a QB to trade for a quality veteran. The latest health issues with Darius Slayton have accentuated the problems the Giants have with depth at wide receiver. Promoting practice squad players or signing cast-offs won't get the Giants where they need to be.

Making moves like these has nothing to do with trying to make the roster competitive. It has everything to do with creating an environment for rookie Jaxson Dart to grow . Last week's loss to the New Orleans Saints highlighted that he lacks the necessary weapons for Dart to be productive. If Dart isn't productive, he can't develop.