Aaron Rodgers Rumors: Giants Shifting Focus to QB After Matthew Stafford's Rams Return

The New York Giants could consider turning to another veteran quarterback now that NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Matthew Stafford is "closing in" on a return to the Los Angeles Rams.

The Giants are "investigating all quarterback options... including Aaron Rodgers," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini added that the Giants "are now shifting their interest" to Rodgers.

Connor Hughes of SNY reported that the Giants and members of the coaching staff have "received rave reviews" from former New York Jets staffers who discussed working with the quarterback.

"Public perception of Aaron Rodgers the person, teammate very different from those who worked with him," Hughes noted.

NBC Sports' Mike Florio reported Wednesday that Rodgers had reached out to the Giants about playing for them since his split from the Jets.

“I've heard that Aaron Rodgers has reached out to the Giants and wants to play for the Giants. And I believe it," Florio said Wednesday. "I don't know if it is where it's buttoned up, but I've heard it, and I believe it."

Florio noted that Rodgers' interest in the Giants could mean he hasn't been pursued by last season's contenders. When asked last week by TMZ what he was looking for in his next destination, Rodgers said he wanted to play for a "good team."

Pat Leonard previously reported for the New York Daily News that Rodgers "prefers to play for the Rams" and would like to bring Davante Adams with him to Los Angeles.

That would have been an option only if the Rams had decided to trade Stafford. The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Jourdan Rodrigue, Dan Duggan, Tashan Reed and Vic Tafur reported that the Giants, alongside the Las Vegas Raiders, talked with Stafford about two-year contracts containing $90 to $100 million in guaranteed money following a potential trade.

With Stafford reportedly staying in Los Angeles, however, Rodgers could be considering staying in the New York area instead.

General manager Joe Schoen told reporters this week at the combine in Indianapolis that the Giants would like to add a veteran quarterback this offseason. The Giants could now potentially bring in that player, while paying less both in trade value and cap hit than they would have for Stafford.

The Giants own the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft. Bringing in Rodgers on what is likely to be a short-term deal could put even more pressure on the franchise to target a quarterback with that pick this April.