While some believe that the New York Giants could select a quarterback with the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen might have a different idea in mind.
According to multiple reports, New York agreed to sign quarterback Drew Lock to a one-year deal worth $5 million. While that appears to be a conventional contract for a backup quarterback, Lock was lured to New York by the opportunity to compete for the starting job.
Giants Sold Drew Lock on QB Competiton for Starting Job
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider recently joined the “The Wyman and Bob Show” on 710 Seattle Sports to discuss his team’s plan for free agency. One topic of discussion was Lock’s departure and decision to sign with the Giants.
According to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, Schneider mentioned that New York convinced Lock to sign with them because of the opportunity to compete for the starting QB job.
Schneider also stated that Lock believes the situation with the Giants could be similar to Baker Mayfield’s career resurgence with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season.
“They basically sold him on the opportunity to compete to be the starter. And he felt like it was the right opportunity. He looked at Baker Mayfield’s opportunity last year and felt that this could be something similar,” Schneider said.
Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News vouched for what Schneider said in his recent radio interview as well, stating that he spoke with multiple league sources on Thursday who shared the same thoughts regarding Lock’s opportunity to start in New York.
Can Lock Win the Starting Job in New York?
Considering the lengthy injury history of projected starting quarterback Daniel Jones, New York is smart to take a chance on Lock at such a low cost. It’s worth noting that Lock was able to lead the Seahawks to an impressive win over the Philadelphia Eagles last season as well.
At 27 years old, Lock has started 23 total games in his NFL career. While he’s struggled to find a consistent role as a starter, there’s no doubting his competitiveness and leadership ability, which was put on display in Seattle’s comeback win against the Eagles last season.
While Lock started just two games for the Seahawks last season, he managed to put up impressive numbers against two of the top teams in the NFC. In his first start against the San Francisco 49ers, Lock completed 70.9% of his passes for 269 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
In the following week, Lock started against the Eagles and completed 66.6% of his passes for 208 yards and the game-winning touchdown pass. Despite being thrown in against two of the best teams in the NFC, Lock put up an admirable fight.
Given Jones’ unknown status as he recovers from a season-ending ACL injury, Lock certainly can’t be ruled out as the potential QB1 in New York. It’s clear that the Giants are open to having a quarterback competition, and Lock is ready to take advantage of the opportunity.
KEEP READING: NFL Free Agency Grades 2024
Every move. Every team. Don’t miss a thing with PFN’s NFL Free Agency Tracker.