It was a lock that the Giants were going to sign a backup quarterback in free agency and the one they decided on Tuesday is Drew Lock, who is not too old to be considered a has-been and not too young to be viewed as inexperienced.
Lock, 27, replaces Tyrod Taylor, who agreed to terms Monday night with the Jets.
Lock received a one-year deal for $5 million, fully guaranteed.
The Giants did not discount bringing Taylor back for a third year but it appeared as if the football relationship had run its course. Taylor’s price tag — two years for up to $18 million — also drifted too high for the Giants.
He will enter a quarterback room that includes Daniel Jones, coming off reconstructive knee surgery, and Tommy DeVito, who as an undrafted rookie in 2023 was forced onto the field and actually won three consecutive games for the Giants.
What does the addition of Lock mean, as far as the Giants taking a quarterback high in the NFL draft next month? Not much.
The Giants own the No. 6 overall pick but on Monday traded away one second-round pick, No. 39 overall, to the Panthers to acquire edge rusher Brian Burns.
The Giants still have No. 47 overall in the second round. Lock on the roster for the 2024 season will not influence the Giants either way, as far as what they do or do not do at quarterback in this draft.
ones, coming off ACL surgery, is on schedule in his rehab and is expected to be ready to participate in training camp this summer.
General manager Joe Schoen said after the season that signing a backup was a priority, given Jones’ physical status coming off a significant injury and Jones’ concerning recent injury history — two neck injuries and the serious knee issue.
Schoen also said if Jones is healthy the expectation is he will be the starter in Week 1.