Daniel Jones, a much-maligned figure his first couple of seasons, is now one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL.
The New York Giants and Jones reached an agreement on a four-year contract extension that will pay the quarterback a reported $160 million, with another $35 million in potential bonuses, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Giants running back Saquon Barkley reacted to the news by retweeting a story, adding, “Congrats brudda !!!”
Congrats brudda !!! @Daniel_Jones10 ✊🏾🖤 https://t.co/cJJWlAXoR9
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) March 7, 2023
The Giants placed the franchise tag on Barkley Tuesday afternoon.
It’s an impressive deal for Jones. Jones is now tied for seventh on the list of highest-paid NFL quarterbacks, according to Spotrac. His average annual value (AAV) of $40 million matches Dak Prescott and Matthew Stafford, and is not far behind the $43 million AAV of Josh Allen’s contract.
Jones, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, struggled his first couple of years in the league, earning the scorn of fans. But he has steadily improved. He passed for 3,205 yards, with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2022. He added more than 700 yards on the ground with seven touchdowns.
Many NFL fans questioned whether Jones’ performance and upside justify that type of contract.
This is such a terrible decision. They literally declined his 5th year option and then gave him a boat. pic.twitter.com/1izV4marl3
— Mike Speer (@realmikespeer) March 7, 2023
he’s Danny Dollars now
— Alex Watt (@AlexanderWatt) March 7, 2023
Worst contract in nfl history.. Daniel Jones is the most mid QB you can find and you drop that bag on him… fire everyone in giants management now
— Tim Barker III (@theroaringloony) March 7, 2023
Teams paying bad quarterbacks 30-45M is hilarious to me. Would have a better shot at drafting one who you’re paying nickels and dimes and spending elsewhere. 40M for an average QB is bonkers to me.
— Cooper Danforth (@CEDan4th4Prez) March 7, 2023
My problem with Daniel Jones at this point isn’t that he’s bad, I’ve actually been a long standing believer that he was never as bad as people said. I believe he’s a QB you genuinlly make runs with on a rookie/cheap contract. He is no longer on a cheap contract
— Ethan (@NYSportsFanCush) March 7, 2023
Daboll turned Danny Dimes into a QB who can win on the road in the postseason with Barkley and very little at receiver. I get it.
— Rich Ohrnberger (@ohrnberger) March 7, 2023
if you think Daniel Jones is a good NFL quarterback, that’s fine. He certainly has some traits.
But I think even in the best-case scenario, your team has a pretty clear ceiling with him as your QB, and that’s not the kind of guy I want to give a second contract to.
— Chris Towers Is Getting Ready For Baseball Season (@CTowersCBS) March 7, 2023
[Jordan Schultz, The Score]; Ian Rapoport, NFL Network]
