It’s been reported that the New York Giants have not picked up QB Daniel Jones’s fifth-year option, reported Dianna Russini. The Giants would have owed Jones $22.39 million next season. The Giants also did pick up DT Dexter Lawrence’s fifth-year option either. The 24-year-old QB has been a project for the Giants; however, he’s improved greatly year after year. Jones has missed games due to injuries, yet, he’s managed to throw 21 touchdowns over the past two seasons combined. Many may look at this as impressive, but the reality of the situation is he’s never available.
There’s no secret that the Giants are rebuilding and blaming Jones for their unproductive season would just be cruel. Their OL on the roster is below average, as well as, the inconsistency of starting RB Saquon Barkley. In his rookie year, Jones threw a career-high 24 touchdown passes. While being hurt often, he has developed into a much better game-managing QB. His ceiling for the remainder of his career is to be a legitimate backup for teams around the league. He will most likely always have a job, however, he may never be another NFL starting QB.
New York Giants Future Plans with Jones
The Giants not picking up Jones’s fifth option, allows the Giants HC Brian Daboll to figure out which direction to go in. If he performs to certain standards, they can franchise tag him and then eventually sign Jones to a long-term deal in the future. However, if he underperforms they can allow him to walk and look to move in a different direction either in the 2023 NFL Draft or free agency.
“We do feel Daniel can play,” co-owner John Mara said earlier this year. “We’ve done everything in our power to hinder this player’s progress since he arrived. We’ve constantly shuffled coaches, coordinators, and offensive line coaches.” I acknowledge my share of responsibility for that. However, let’s bring in a suitable team of coaches now, establish consistency, improve the offensive line, and then make an informed assessment of whether he can be the long-term quarterback for the franchise.
