INDIANAPOLIS — Call it desperation, call it bowing to reality, call it an attempt at an aggressive, preemptive strike.
However you want to characterize the Giants’ very real interest in acquiring Matthew Stafford, call that pursuit over and done with.
Stafford — after testing the waters by entering into contract negotiations with the Giants and Raiders — decided on Friday to stay with the Rams on a restructured contract.
The Giants were so worried about getting shut out in the upcoming NFL draft, as far as not being in position to select their next starting quarterback, that they hoped to pry the 37-year old Stafford away from the Rams.
Matthew Stafford is remaining with the Rams for 2025. Getty Images
Was Stafford truly available?
Well, the Rams gave permission to his agent, Jimmy Sexton, to speak with teams about what they would be willing to give Stafford in a new contract.
Then, Stafford would bring those numbers back to the Rams, who were adamant that they wanted to retain Stafford — at the right price.
Stafford was scheduled to make $26 million in 2025 on a four-year, $160 million contract that was set to expire after the 2026 season.
Joe Schoen and the Giants need to pivot in their quarterback search after Matthew Stafford’s decision. Getty Images
The Giants, the Post confirmed, did come up to between $90-100 million in guaranteed money on a two-year deal for Stafford.
The Raiders were also there.
It was not enough to dissuade the Rams from re-upping with Stafford.
This leaves the Giants waiting for the March 10 start to the free agency negotiating period, unless they are unwilling to wait until then and make a move for 41-year old Aaron Rodgers, who is not in the Jets’ plans. For one season, the Giants view Rodgers as a viable option as a player.
Aaron Rodgers could end up being an option for the Giants to pursue. Bill Kostroun for the NY Post
They need to figure out if they are willing to accept everything off the field that comes with him.
The Giants were poised to shell out big money and then trade away draft capital for Stafford because they are not impressed with the quarterbacks set to be available in free agency.
Sam Darnold is likely the best of the bunch, coming off an excellent season as a starter with the Vikings, followed by a poor playoff performance.
The Giants are concerned about bringing Darnold back into the New York/New Jersey market, as he is a failed former Jets starter.
There is a sobering realization that all these players have flaws and concerns.
Russell Wilson is 36 years old and could be looking for his fourth team in the past five years.
Justin Fields turns 26 on Wednesday and could be looking for his third team in the last three years.
Jacoby Brissett and possibly Gardner Minshew are stopgap options and better suited for backup roles.
It would be far easier and less stressful for the Giants if they were confident they could find the answer in the draft.
They own the No. 3 pick and thus are not assured of being in position to land Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders.
The Titans might be willing to trade out of the No. 1 spot, and the Giants will explore a move.
At this point, they have not determined if they believe any quarterback in this draft is worth trading up to get.
Matthew Stafford throws a pass for the Rams during the 2024 playoffs. AP
They would love to select edge rusher Abdul Carter or cornerback Travis Hunter but the top priority is finding a quarterback after a 3-14 season in which they used Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, Drew Lock and Tim Boyle and endured terrible play at the position.
General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll were both retained after that horrible season and everyone knows they need to win a bunch more games in 2025.
Stafford was viewed as the best option to instantly add talent and credibility to the quarterback position, even though he would not have been a long-term fix.
Now, that option is gone and the Giants continue their search.
