The New York Giants signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a four-year contract extension in 2023, making him one of the highest-paid NFL players. Just over a year removed from signing that extension, New York reportedly already has buyer’s remorse with the contract and player.
Throughout the 2024 offseason, New York has been linked to the top quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft. Even with Jones entering the second year of his four-year deal, the Giants have made it known that they aren’t committed to him long-term.
- Daniel Jones contract: $47.105 million cap hit in 2024, $41.605 million cap hit in 2025
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This comes just a year after New York opted to extend Jones instead of running back Saquon Barkley, who had more support in the Giants’ locker room. As Barkley now prepares to play for the Philadelphia Eagles next season, New York is experiencing real regrets regarding its decision with Jones.
According to Judy Battista of NFL Network, there are very real concerns in New York regarding Jones’ durability. Not only is the team uncertain if he’ll be 100 percent for a Week 1 return, but his history of injuries is also causing more alarm for the franchise.
“This is a moment where the Giants have to consider their big-picture plans at quarterback because not only did Daniel Jones not play well when he played last year, but there are real concerns about his durability. He’s coming off the ACL right now. He’s had two neck injuries, so you have to worry about Daniel Jones’s health.”
NFL Network’s Judy Battista on New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones
Jones, heading into his age-27 season, underwent neck surgery in 2022 to address disc herniations and spinal stenosis. While he returned for the 2023 season, the former first-round suffered an ACL tear in Week 9, which came after a three-week absence for a beck injury.
- Daniel Jones stats (career): 22-36-1 record, 85.2 QB rating, 64.3% completion rate, 62-40 TD-INT, 3.3% TD rate, 2.1% INT rate, 179 sacks taken, 8.6% sack rate
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The durability concerns with Jones are why New York signed Drew Lock this offseason and pursued veteran Russell Wilson. It also remains very possible that the Giants’ front office will attempt to trade up for either quarterback Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye if they are available at the fourth pick.
The only fortunate thing for the Giants’ front office is the structure of Jones’ contract makes it easier to get out of after the 2024 season. If New York cuts Jones during the 2025 offseason, it will gain $19.395 million if designated as a pre-June 1 release or $30.5 million if designated as a post-June 1 release.
