A year ago, most New York Giants would have leaped at being in their current situation, coming off a playoff appearance, but faced with a tough decision of how much to pay Daniel Jones. The truth is, a year ago, Jones was far from proven. It’s the same reason why general manager Joe Schoen declined to pick up the former No. 6 overall pick’s fifth-year contract option.
Yet, here we are after Danny Dimes had a career year, and seeing eye-to-eye with the G-Men’s upper management on contract value hasn’t come easily. Facing a Tuesday, 4 PM ET franchise tag deadline, the Giants are running out of time and options when it comes to their franchise QB.
Reports continue to point to Jones asking for an annual value starting in the $40 million range, which is about the going rate for an established QB who can lead his team to the playoffs. Plus, Jones is just 25. We haven’t seen this kid’s ceiling yet.
But the franchise tag for QBs comes in at $32.42 million, which would at least save the Giants some more money up front, even if it isn’t their ideal long-term solution either. Yet, perhaps even the New York Football Giants want to see if Jones can build upon his successful 2022 campaign before deciding how much the former Duke product is really worth.
If you ask ESPN analyst and former NFL QB Dan Orlovsky, the thought of paying Jones a salary amount starting with a ‘4’, is far too risky.
“7 months ago Daniel Jones went into the season with 50 career touchdowns and 49 turnovers and now we’re talking about paying him $300,000 less than Patrick Mahomes? That is mind-boggling to me.”
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky on Daniel Jones’ expected cost
Chances are, you aren’t the only one, Orlovsky. What he says is true, Mahomes, the greatest QB in the NFL today, having already won two NFL MVPs and Super Bowls, is set to make $40.45 million in 2023. Now Jones is looking at a similar amount?
While it may provide caution for many, the Giants may not have a choice. Losing Jones would present a large setback that could take years to overcome. Yet the alternative, potentially overpaying someone who can’t live up to their paycheck, could also cause problems too. It’s a catch-22, but that’s the price you pay when allowing players to hit the open market and see what other teams are willing to pay.
Related: 4 predictions for the New York Giants this offseason