Giants' Russell Wilson, Winston Reportedly Weren't Eyed by Bengals Before Flacco Trade

The New York Giants have a pair of veteran quarterbacks riding the bench in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, but neither of them generated trade interest from a QB-needy team.

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Cincinnati Bengals "never called" the Giants to discuss potential trades for Wilson or Winston before acquiring veteran signal-caller Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday.

The Bengals reportedly sent a fifth-round draft pick to the Browns to acquire Flacco and a sixth-round pick. It's safe to assume that the Giants would've accepted a similar offer to move on from either one of their veterans.

Wilson began the year as New York's starting quarterback before being replaced by rookie signal-caller Jaxson Dart, who led the team to a 21-18 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in his first career start in Week 4. Wilson produced 778 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions in his three starts. Winston has been the third-string quarterback for the whole year, but is known for being an outstanding locker room presence.

Still, the Bengals opted to go with Flacco amid their three-game losing streak since Jake Browning took over for the injured Joe Burrow. Flacco opened the year as the Browns' starting quarterback before being benched for rookie Dillon Gabriel. In his four games, he threw for 815 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions.

The Giants could be better off after holding onto Wilson and Winston, as they will provide Dart with some much-needed veteran guidance. New York suffered a 26-14 loss to the previously winless New Orleans Saints on Sunday to fall to 1-4 this season. The team will be back in action on Thursday Night Football against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (4-1).