What traits Giants players are seeking from their next quarterback

Forget, for one second, about projecting who should be the next Giants quarterback.Think instead about what the next Giants quarterback should be.Many of the to-be-decided player’s future teammates considered what characteristics they would like to see while clearing out their lockers at the end of a shell shock-inducing 3-14 season.It is up to retained general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll to search for, identify and acquire the quarterback who they believe can be the missing piece to a quick turnaround.“I’m excited about it,” linebacker Bobby Okereke said.

“Ever since high school, your quarterback is the leader of your team.Whether you like it or not, quarterback play affects everybody.”Drew Lock is an unrestricted free agent and Tommy DeVito is an exclusive rights free agent, but Schoen hinted that DeVito will be re-signed.

ERFAs typically sign one-year contracts at the non-guaranteed minimum salary, so the Giants will enter March with security against having no quarterbacks on their roster.The Giants essentially have three paths for finding their next starter: Adding a proven veteran like Sam Darnold or Kirk Cousins; drafting Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward atop the draft; or a mix of the two to create a competition between a high-end bridge like Justin Fields and a mid-round draft pick like Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers, Carson Beck or Jaxson Dart.“I don’t care if it’s a rookie or a veteran,” guard Jon Runyan Jr.said.

“We just need somebody that is going to help us win games.Offensively, we are built to do that.

I think we can run the ball well and, when needed, we can hold up in pass protection.Somebody to complement us and get us going, and get some touchdowns, would be valuable for us.”Malik Nabers is the No.

1 reason a quarterback might find the Giants (and the NFL’s second lowest-scoring offense) appealing.He wants a quick learner.“If they ask me about it,” Nabers said, “I’ll do some research and watch the Q...