The New York Giants, a franchise with a rich history of success in the NFL, have been a topic of debate among football analysts and fans alike as they try to determine whether the team has the roster depth and talent to compete in the highly competitive NFC. One of the most pressing questions surrounding the Giants is whether they are just one piece away from becoming legitimate playoff contenders. According to Peter Schrager, an NFL Network and FOX Sports analyst who has openly admitted his lifelong fandom of the Giants, the answer lies in the team’s need for a solid quarterback. Schrager believes that while the Giants have a foundation of promising players, they are missing the crucial element that could elevate them to contention: a reliable and skilled quarterback.
“They’re a quarterback away. They don’t have a quarterback,” Schrager said during a recent appearance on a sports talk show. His statement reflects a sentiment that has been echoed by many analysts and fans over the past few seasons. Schrager, who grew up in New Jersey and has a deep emotional connection to the team, acknowledged that his personal bias might color his optimism, but he insists that the Giants are not as far from success as it may seem. “Throw in Aaron Rodgers. Throw in Russell Wilson. Draft a quarterback. I think the Giants are on their way and could be competitive this year. Call me crazy,” he added, suggesting that the addition of a elite quarterback could transform the team’s fortunes almost overnight.
While Schrager’s comments may carry the weight of his fandom, his assessment aligns with the broader consensus among NFL experts. For years, the narrative around the Giants has been that they are just one major piece—a franchise quarterback—away from being a serious contender. This belief has persisted through multiple changes in leadership and roster overhauls, indicating a widespread agreement that the team’s foundation is stronger than its recent performance might suggest. However, as Schrager and others have pointed out, the Giants’ path to success is not solely dependent on finding a quarterback. The team also faces significant challenges in other areas, particularly along the offensive line, which has been a consistent weak point in recent seasons.
The Giants’ offensive line has struggled with both health and consistency, and until these issues are addressed, it’s unlikely that even the addition of a top-tier quarterback would be enough to propel the team into contention. The line’s performance is critical because it not only protects the quarterback but also sets the tone for the entire offense. Without a stable and dominant line, the rest of the offense—whether it’s the quarterback, running backs, or receivers—will struggle to perform at its best. This reality underscores the importance of General Manager Joe Schoen’s ability to build a cohesive and reliable unit in the trenches. If Schoen can replicate the success he had in the 2024 NFL draft, where he made several key picks that bolstered the roster, the Giants might finally be on the verge of turning things around.
However, the elephant in the room remains the quarterback position. As of now, the Giants’ quarterback room is thin, with only Tommy DeVito currently under contract. DeVito, a young quarterback with potential but limited experience, is not yet viewed as the long-term solution. This lack of depth and talent at the quarterback position has left the Giants in a precarious position, as they are forced to rely on unproven players or explore other options, such as free agency or the draft, to address the need. The 2025 NFL draft could be a pivotal moment for the franchise, as it represents an opportunity to select a quarterback who could be the face of the team for years to come. If the Giants can find a quarterback who combines arm talent, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure, they might finally have the missing piece they so desperately need.
In conclusion, while the New York Giants have a roster with potential, they are indeed just one major piece away from becoming a legitimate playoff contender—a franchise quarterback. The addition of a elite signal-caller, whether through free agency or the draft, could unlock the potential of the team’s other pieces and set them on a path to success. However, the Giants must also address their offensive line issues and ensure that they have a solid foundation to support their quarterback of the future. If General Manager Joe Schoen can continue to build the roster with the same level of success he showed in the 2024 draft, the Giants could be on the verge of a significant turnaround. For now, the team’s future remains uncertain, but the hope is that they are closer to contention than they appear. As Peter Schrager said, maybe the Giants are not as far off as they seem, and maybe—just maybe—they are on the cusp of something special.
