The New York Giants have tried to make it very clear that they have faith in quarterback Daniel Jones this season. However, with a recent decision, they also made it clear that their faith in him has its limits.
Jones’ time with the Giants has been disappointing, though that’s not entirely his fault. He also came to the team with the loft expectations that he would replace Eli Manning who won two Super Bowls with Big Blue. He’s also coming off a season in which he played 11 games, throwing for 2,428 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
After the NFL franchise fired head coach Joe Judge, team co-owner John Mara told reporters that “We’ve done everything possible to screw this kid up since he’s been here,” adding “We certainly have not given up on Daniel Jones.” And when they hired Brian Daboll as their new head coach, he offered support for Jones as his quarterback for next season.
Meanwhile, Jones put the onus to improve directly on his shoulders, saying “I’m certainly the one responsible for how I play and I take that very seriously. I haven’t played well enough, we haven’t won enough games to this point.”
While the Giants have put their faith in Jones, a report on Sunday noted that the team is unlikely to pick up the fifth-year option on his contract, which essentially means he’s playing for his future in the upcoming season.
#Giants are not expected to pick up QB Daniel Jones fifth year option by the may deadline (@espn first)
— Bobby Thompson (@BThomps81) February 27, 2022
It actually makes sense for the Giants not to pick up the option even if they have faith in Jones, according to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell.
“The Giants would owe Jones $21.4 million in 2023 if they pick his fifth-year option up this spring,” wrote Barnwell. “The chances of him emerging as an above-average starter after beginning his career with three subpar seasons are extremely slim.
“Guaranteeing Jones’ 2023 salary is an unnecessary commitment. If Daboll can’t coax a turnaround out of him, the Giants will be able to avoid a Darnold situation and end the Jones era without any further investment, allowing them to find a new quarterback next offseason. Even if he does turn things around, though, the Giants would be able to use the franchise tag in 2023 to create some leverage if they want to do a new deal. The Giants are still in on Jones, but there’s nothing here to justify a longer commitment. Yet.”
There’s a lot on the line for Jones this season but it sounds like he’s well aware of that going on. In the meantime, news of the decision certainly got people reacting on social media.
The Giants should 100% decline Daniel Jones's 5th-year option, it's not even a discussion.
They'd be committing $22 million to a player who is still seriously unproven going into his THIRD offensive system.
If he balls out — extend him or slap franchise tag (about $28M).
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) February 27, 2022
There is 0 reason to pick up Daniel Jones 5th year option, let him earn and prove it, if he balls out then feel free to extend or franchise him, but no free rides for anymore players #Giants #TogetherBlue
— Belt Guy (@ThisIsNotZain) February 27, 2022
The option debate on Daniel Jones is an $8m gamble for the Giants. Guarantee him $22m in 2023 no matter what, or use the tag on him in 2023 at about $30m if he is their guy moving forward with the chance to be free and clear of him if he isn't.
— Tom Rock (@TomRock_Newsday) February 27, 2022
To the general public 7 million dollars is a huge number. In the NFL landscape it isn't. You have bad backup QBs making more than that. If Barkley comes back with a monster year & it makes the QB & team better than it was worth every penny.
— Steven E Verderosa (@SteveV_NFL) February 26, 2022
It’s going to be a very interesting and important season for the Giants, especially when it comes to what the future of their franchise will look like.
