The Giants entered this off-season in need of a backup play-maker behind Eli Manning and on Friday, they filled that demand by signing two quarterbacks. Both Josh Johnson and Geno Smith will join Big Blue for the upcoming 2017-18 campaign.
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| Johnson (pictured) will return to NYG for a second season |
Johnson, 30, was a fifth round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2008 NFL Draft. After a brief stint as Tampa Bay's starter, he settled into a backup role with the Browns, Bengals, and Ravens. The San Diego University product originally joined the Giants in August 2016 after being cut by Baltimore in the preseason.
Despite not entering a game in 2016-17 and his overall lack of experience, the Giants seem happy with Johnson's progression and are content with handing him the offense if called upon. Considering Manning has not missed a start since his rookie year in 2004, in-game experience may be hard to find for Johnson.
Interestingly enough, the Giants also came to an agreement with quarterback Geno Smith, who is still recovering from a torn ACL. The former second-round pick had spent the last four years with the Jets, but has seen his playing time diminish due to injuries and sub-par play. Smith will be reunited with wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is also coming from the rival New York Jets.
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| Smith (pictured) will receive a much-needed change of scenery |
The Jets had interest in bringing Smith back, but it is unclear to what extent. Both San Diego and Cleveland had inquired on the West Virginia product, but it appears that the 26-year old is content with a second or third string role.
In Smith's first two seasons, he started 29 games and racked up 5,571 passing yards. However, during that time, he had completed just 25 touchdown passes to go along with a total of 34 interceptions. As a participator in only three games in the past two years, one has to believe that the Giants will temper their expectations with Geno Smith.
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