Former NFL defensive lineman Chris Canty took to the airwaves to urge Giants owner John Mara not to make what he believes would be a critical error in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
After reports surfaced that the Giants were holding a private workout with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Canty—who was part of New York’s 2011-12 Super Bowl-winning team—used his platform on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike to voice his concerns.
“I’m begging you, John Mara, don’t make this move,” Canty said. “Your head coach and GM are already on the hot seat. You even had to put out a statement after the season just to say you’re sticking with Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll. That’s basically admitting they’re under pressure right out of the gate next year.”
Canty argued that drafting a quarterback like Sanders under those circumstances would be a disservice to the young player.
“If you weren’t seriously considering firing them, why did you feel the need to reassure everyone they’d be back?” Canty continued. “Drafting a QB now isn’t about what’s best for him—it’s about job security. That’s the wrong reason to bring in a potential franchise quarterback. It’s frustrating, and it just doesn’t add up.”
Shedeur Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, only missed one game this past season—a coach-directed decision to rest him for the finale. Statistically, he impressed with 4,134 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, a nation-leading 74% completion rate, and a 168.2 QB rating (second among QBs with at least 300 attempts).
According to ESPN’s latest mock draft, Sanders is projected as the No. 2 quarterback prospect, trailing only Miami’s Cam Ward.
Canty, who spent four years with the Giants and played a key role in their Super Bowl XLVI victory over the Patriots, ended his 11-year career after stints with the Cowboys and Ravens. He’s now a prominent NFL voice on ESPN, contributing to shows like Get Up, First Take, and various ESPN Radio programs.