When the New York Giants picked up the option on quarterback Alex Tanney earlier this offseason, it was assumed that he was a lock to once again make the team’s final roster and continue his mentorship of Daniel Jones.
Since then however, the Giants have signed Colt McCoy, claimed Cooper Rush off of waivers and added rookie Case Cookus following the 2020 NFL Draft.
So, what does that mean for Tanney?
Outside of the little added competition, it may not mean anything. In fact, a long-time offensive assistant who had been interested in joining the Giants this offseason told the New York Post it was recommended he keep Tanney in the fold should he get hired.
“I was told, ‘If you end up there somehow, you have to keep Tanney around because of the job he does with Jones,’ ” the coach told The Post. “Tanney did prep work for Jones. He spent all day with Jones.”
First-year head coach Joe Judge has made it abundantly clear he doesn’t want players on the roster simply to tutor other players, but there may be an exception made for Tanney, who did a tremendous job helping to develop Jones in 2019.
With larger practice squads and a 55-man roster on gameday being introduced in 2020, the Giants may opt to keep Tanney on the 53-man roster and carry an additional quarterback on the practice squad.
Of course, they could just as easily cut ties with Tanney, who has no guaranteed money, and ride with McCoy and Rush. But don’t bet on that.
