Both the New York Giants and Daniel Jones are playing a dangerous game heading into the offseason. With only 33-year-old Tyrod Taylor being the only other quarterback on the G-Men’s roster, it would appear that Danny Dimes has a lot of leverage here. More on that in a bit.
Jones wants to be a New York Giant. The Giants want Jones, but agreeing on contract value is a whole different story.
Reports have indicated that Jones may want as much as $45 million per season. But the Giants don’t like that number. General manager Joe Schoen and the rest of the front office had a target figure somewhere below $40 million annually for Jones.
The latest report from ESPN’s Dianna Russini suggests the Giants have a specific price point they are insistent upon, which is apparently “nowhere near” what Jones and his camp believe the QB is worth.
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New York Giants lack long-term leverage in Daniel Jones discussions
Let’s be honest, picking 25th overall, it’s not like the Giants are in a position to replace Jones in this year’s NFL Draft. While several other capable veteran options are available via trade or free agency, the Giants may have the best of the bunch, with Jones, who’s still just 25 and may still have more room to grow.
Yet, it’s not like Jones has a ton of leverage either, as no matter how far apart these two are in contract extension discussions, the Giants can always simply slap the franchise tag on Jones. Sure, Jones isn’t forced to sign the tag, but if he wants to play football, he may feel compelled. Unless the Giants suddenly relent, giving into a trade request and an offer they can’t refuse.
The franchise tag for QBs in 2023 is $32.42 million, which is well north of the $22.3 million they would have been paying Jones this upcoming season, if only they had picked up his fifth-year contract option last offseason.
Ultimately, the expectation is that the Giants will either be able to reach a long-term agreement with Jones or they will wind up placing the franchise tag on the soon-to-be fifth-year QB.
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