The Tennessee Titans proved that they are really locked in with star quarterback Cam Ward in the 2025 NFL Draft. Behind this easy pick, the New York Giants were rumored to be negotiating, but they ended up drafting a defensive anchor, Abdul Carter, instead.

The Giants tried to obtain the top pick from the Miami Hurricanes and even assembled an enormous trade package, but none of them materialized.

Giant's Huge Trade Proposal for Cam Ward Fails

NFL Trade Rumors: Did Titans Deny Giants' Trade Offer For NFL Trade Rumors: Did Titans Deny Giants' Trade Offer For
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As per FOX Sports' Ralph Vacchiano, the Giants put together a package consisting of the No. 3 overall pick, their 2026 first-round draft choice, and other picks to leap two spots and land Ward. However, the Titans made it very clear they had no plans on trading the pick.

The Titans eventually chose Ward, one of the best quarterbacks in the 2025 class. They could capitalize on the solid package, but they chose to develop a team around the Miami standout.

New York Settles for Defensive Star Abdul Carter

When their trade attempts didn't pan out, the Giants remained static with the third overall pick and took Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter. The dynamic defender is one of the top prospects in the class and should be a quick contributor to a Giants defense that's desperate for elite playmakers.

According to Clutch Points, Carter's arrival is at a pivotal time for head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen, who are under the microscope to produce results after another disappointing season.

With Carter, the Giants could have acquired a generational player to be their anchor in the defense for years to come.

Quarterback Shuffle: Shedeur Sanders and Draft Day Drama

In the months leading up to the draft, there was gossip surrounding Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, with some speculating him to the Giants. But according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, who reported with a high degree of certainty, the Giants had no intention of taking Sanders at 3rd.

Even though he was considered to be the draft's second-ranked quarterback, Sanders' divisive background made his draft stock plummet, with some seeing him falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21.

What really happened during the day of the 2025 NFL Draft is that Sanders was left undrafted, not even a top 20 pick. We will see in Round 2 if he will be selected.

Browns, Jaguars Rattle Top Five

The Cleveland Browns also tried to trade up for Ward but were also rebuffed by the Titans. Instead, the Browns traded down with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who used the No. 2 pick to select Heisman winner Travis Hunter. Cleveland acquired defensive tackle Mason Graham with the fifth pick.