The New York Giants are shopping for Matthew Stafford and the debate is on whether trading for an elite veteran QB is smart. History shows mixed results, some ended in championships and others in disaster. Let’s break it down.
The Giants’ QB History: A Different Way
The Giants rarely draft QBs early, instead they trade and sign in free agency to find their starters.
- Draft History: Since 1960 the Giants have only drafted 5 QBs in the first 3 rounds: Phil Simms, Philip Rivers (traded for Eli Manning), Daniel Jones, Jeff Hostetler, and Davis Webb.
- Trade History: The Giants have a long history of trading for veteran QBs: Y.A. Tittle, Fran Tarkenton, Craig Morton.
- Current Rumors: Now with Matthew Stafford available they are considering going back to their old way.
Recent Examples of Elite QB Trades: Hits and Misses
Aaron Rodgers (Packers → Jets)
- Cost: 2 2nd round picks, 6th round pick, 1st round pick swap (13 → 15)
- Age When Traded: 39
Aaron Rodgers’ move to the Jets was supposed to be a slam dunk but ended up a complete disaster. In his first series as a Jet, Rodgers tore his Achilles and missed most of the season. Even when he returned, he wasn’t the same guy. Off-field drama added to the issue and the team fired coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas.
Key Takeaway: Trading for a QB in their late 30s is a risk, especially if the supporting cast isn’t good enough to elevate them.
Russell Wilson (Seahawks → Broncos)
- Cost: 2 1st round picks, 2 2nd round picks, 5th round pick, Noah Fant, Shelby Harris, Drew Lock
- Age When Traded: 33
Wilson had a falling out with the Seahawks over the offense and was shipped to Denver with high hopes. Unfortunately under two different coaches he never recaptured his early career magic. After two bad seasons he was released and signed with Pittsburgh for cheap.
Key Takeaway: A QB’s decline can start earlier than you think and a bad fit in the system can accelerate that decline.
Matt Ryan (Falcons → Colts)
- Cost: 3rd
- Age When Traded: 37
Colts took a low risk on Matt Ryan and gave up only a 3rd. Ryan played like a shell of himself and threw almost as many INTs as TDs and was clearly past his prime. He retired at the end of the season.
Key Takeaway: Low cost trades for aging QBs can backfire if the player is already done.
Deshaun Watson (Texans → Browns)
- Cost: 3 1st, 3rd, 2 4th, 6th
- Age When Traded: 26
This is the worst trade in NFL history. The Browns have given up a king’s ransom and Watson has yet to produce.
Key Takeaway: Overpaying for a quarterback, even a young one, can sink a franchise for years if the player doesn’t deliver.
Matthew Stafford/Jared Goff (Lions → Rams)
- Cost: Jared Goff, two 1st round picks, and a 3rd round pick
- Age When Traded: 33
This trade worked out okay for both teams. The Rams won a Super Bowl with Stafford and the Lions used the draft picks to build a great roster and revive Jared Goff’s career.
Key Takeaway: Swapping quarterbacks can work out for both teams, especially if one team is rebuilding and the other is in win-now mode.
Brett Favre (Packers → Jets)
- Cost: Conditional 4th round pick
- Age When Traded: 38
Favre’s trade to the Jets was unique because he retired first and then changed his mind. His one season with the Jets was meh, injury and decline marred.
Key Takeaway: Even legendary quarterbacks can struggle to adjust to new systems late in their careers.
Warren Moon (Oilers → Vikings)
- Cost: 4th and conditional 3rd round picks
- Age When Traded: 38
Moon proved older quarterbacks can still do well in the right situation. He had two great seasons with the Vikings before injuries caught up with him.
Key Takeaway: Age isn’t always a problem if the quarterback lands in a good situation.
Joe Montana (49ers → Chiefs)
- Cost: First-round pick; Kansas City also got Steve Whitmore and a third-round pick
- Age When Traded: 37
Montana wasn’t the same player in Kansas City as he was in San Francisco but he still made the AFC Championship Game in his first season.
Key Takeaway: Trading for a Hall of Fame quarterback nearing retirement can work short term.
What Should the Giants Do?
The Giants are in a tough spot. After years of searching for stability at quarterback they may go after Matthew Stafford if he becomes available. But should they?
Pros of Trading for Stafford
- Resume: Stafford won a Super Bowl with the Rams and can still lead a winner.
- Mentorship: Pairing Stafford with a 2024 rookie quarterback could be a smooth transition plan.
- Cap management: With creative contract structuring the Giants can manage Stafford’s $50M+ salary without crippling their cap space.
Cons of Trading for Stafford
- Age: 36 and entering the twilight of his career. Durability has been a question mark lately.
- Draft capital risk: Giving up first round picks could set the franchise back if Stafford doesn’t produce immediately.
- Roster holes: The Giants still need edge defender, defensive tackle and cornerback. Trading away draft picks for Stafford could leave those holes unfilled.
FAQs About Trading for Elite Veteran Quarterbacks
Do trades for elite veteran quarterbacks work out?
Rarely. Most trades end in disappointment due to age, poor fit or overpay. But there’s an exception like Matthew Stafford and the Rams.
What determines if a QB trade works?
Age, health, supporting cast and cost of the QB. Teams have to weigh short term gain vs long term sustainability.
Is Matthew Stafford worth it for the Giants?
He’s worth it if the Giants don’t have to give up significant draft capital and they address other roster needs. But his age and injury history are red flags.
Why do teams keep trading for aging QBs despite the risks?
Teams feel pressure to win now especially if they’re close to contention. An elite veteran QB is the best way to win now even if it costs.
What’s the biggest lesson from past QB trades?
Overpaying for a QB especially one in decline can destroy a franchise for years. Teams must evaluate the player’s remaining upside and overall fit with their roster.