Giants QB Dilemma: Should They Trade Up for Cam Ward in the 2025 NFL Draft?

The New York Giants are at a crossroads. After a disappointing 3-14 season in 2024, marked by offensive struggles and uncertainty at the quarterback position, the pressure is on General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll to find a solution. With the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Giants have an opportunity to address their quarterback need, but the question remains: Should they trade up to secure their guy, and is Miami’s Cam Ward worth the price?

The Current QB Landscape in New York

The Giants’ quarterback situation is currently in flux. Daniel Jones, once the face of the franchise, was released in November 2024, just 27 games into a four-year, $160 million contract. While owner John Mara had previously expressed happiness with the Jones signing, the team ultimately decided to move on. Veteran Drew Lock, signed to a one-year deal, showed flashes of potential, including a standout performance against the Indianapolis Colts where he accounted for all five of the Giants’ offensive touchdowns. However, Lock is not viewed as the long-term answer. Tommy DeVito is expected to return, but the Giants need a definitive upgrade.

Schoen has made it clear that finding a quarterback is the team’s top priority. The Giants have been exploring all options, including potential trades for veteran quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford. When that fell through, the focus shifted to the draft. Schoen has stated that the team is open to trading up or down in the draft to get the right player.

The Allure of Cam Ward

Cam Ward has emerged as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. After transferring from Washington State to Miami, Ward impressed scouts with his arm strength, playmaking ability, and leadership qualities. In his lone season with the Hurricanes, Ward completed 67.2% of his passes for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions.

Ward’s strengths are undeniable. He possesses a strong arm and can make throws to all levels of the field. He’s also known for his ability to extend plays and improvise when things break down, a valuable asset in today’s NFL. Several analysts believe Ward has the potential to be a superstar and a franchise cornerstone.

However, Ward is not without his flaws. Some scouts have noted that he can be over-reliant on his arm talent and that his ball security needs improvement. Others point to occasional “head-scratching” decisions on the field. Despite these concerns, Ward’s overall talent and potential have made him a coveted prospect.

The Case for Trading Up

The Giants currently hold the No. 3 overall pick. While this puts them in a good position to draft a top prospect, there’s no guarantee that Ward will be available when their turn comes. The Tennessee Titans, holding the No. 1 pick, are also in need of a quarterback and could very well select Ward. The Cleveland Browns at pick number two could also be looking for a QB.

Trading up to the No. 1 spot would allow the Giants to secure Ward and prevent other teams from jumping ahead of them. This would require a significant investment, likely including multiple high draft picks. Some analysts have suggested that a trade could involve the Giants’ 2025 and 2026 second-round picks, in addition to other considerations.

The decision to trade up hinges on the Giants’ evaluation of Ward. If Schoen and his staff believe that Ward is a potential franchise quarterback, then the cost of trading up may be worth it. As John Mara has stated, the Giants need to find their quarterback, and Schoen may feel the pressure to make a bold move.

The Risks Involved

Trading up in the NFL Draft is always a gamble. There’s no guarantee that even the most highly touted prospects will pan out at the professional level. The Giants have experienced this firsthand with past quarterback selections.

Giving up valuable draft capital to move up for Ward would leave the Giants with fewer resources to address other needs on their roster. The team has several holes to fill, including offensive line, wide receiver, and pass rusher. Depleting their draft stock could hinder their ability to build a complete team around their new quarterback.

Furthermore, there are other quarterback prospects in the 2025 draft who could be successful in the NFL. Shedeur Sanders from Colorado is another highly regarded prospect, although some analysts believe Ward is the superior talent. If the Giants are unable to trade up for Ward, they could still draft Sanders or another quarterback at No. 3.

Other Options for the Giants

If the Giants decide against trading up for Ward, they have several other options to address their quarterback situation.

Draft Shedeur Sanders at No. 3: Sanders is a talented quarterback with a strong arm and good accuracy. While he may not have the same upside as Ward, he could still be a successful starter in the NFL.
Draft another position at No. 3 and address QB in free agency: The Giants could use their top pick to address another pressing need, such as offensive line or pass rusher, and then sign a veteran quarterback in free agency.
Trade down and acquire more picks: If the Giants don’t love any of the quarterbacks available at No. 3, they could trade down and acquire additional draft picks. This would allow them to address multiple needs on their roster and potentially draft a quarterback later in the draft.

The Verdict

The Giants’ decision on whether to trade up for Cam Ward in the 2025 NFL Draft is a complex one with significant implications for the future of the franchise. Ward possesses the talent and potential to be a franchise quarterback, but trading up would require a substantial investment and carries inherent risks.

Ultimately, the Giants’ decision will depend on their evaluation of Ward and their overall strategy for building a competitive team. If they believe that Ward is the missing piece, then trading up may be a worthwhile gamble. However, they must also weigh the risks and consider alternative options before making a final decision. The Giants’ future success hinges on getting this decision right.