The New York Giants are navigating turbulent waters as they transition from franchise quarterback Daniel Jones to the newly appointed starter, Tommy DeVito. The decision to bench Jones, who has been plagued by inconsistency and a devastating ACL tear in 2023, signals a new chapter for the Giants. Yet, it leaves many wondering about his future in the NFL.
A Complex Contract Situation
Daniel Jones's journey with the Giants may soon come to a crossroads as he stands on the verge of hitting free agency. The quarterback's contract, a strategically planned two-year arrangement, could see him becoming a free agent as early as Monday afternoon due to specific contract stipulations. Despite this uncertainty, there's no denying his financial security in the short-term, with over $11 million in guaranteed salary owed for the rest of this season.
Teams interested in Jones might find the potential acquisition to be a cost-effective venture, as they would only be responsible for a prorated portion of his $1.1 million veteran minimum salary. Franchises such as the Chargers, Broncos, Cardinals, Vikings, Buffalo Bills, and Detroit Lions have emerged as potential suitors for the 6-foot-5 quarterback known for his mobility and work ethic.
The Quest for a Reliable Quarterback
The Giants, meanwhile, find themselves scouring the college landscape in search of their next star quarterback. With prospects like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward on their radar, the scouting team is keenly aware of their current position at the bottom of the NFL in terms of completions of 20 or more yards — a mere 19 plays — and a league-low red zone touchdown rate at a disappointing 39.3%.
Leadership Amidst Unrest
Despite the turnover on the field, the Giants appear to have faith in their current leadership. General Manager Joe Schoen is expected to continue guiding the franchise, and head coach Brian Daboll is anticipated to remain at the helm through at least 2025. This stability in upper management underscores a belief in the organization's ability to navigate these trying times.
Reflections and Reverberations
The departure of Jones from the starting lineup has prompted reflections on his journey so far. As one unnamed source remarked, "When you watch that you can see why the Giants gave him six years. He works hard. Classy. Has the traits. 6-5 and can run. Everybody keeps thinking they can unlock him. But three head coaches and multiple coordinators later, maybe you have to look in the mirror."
There is a growing consensus that despite receiving a No. 1 receiver and a strong offensive line, notably when Andrew Thomas was active, Jones's performance may have plateaued, prompting another source to ponder, "Maybe [Jones] is who he is."
Yet, for those who know him well, Jones’s future remains bright. A source familiar with the quarterback's mindset disclosed, "He's a worker bee. He loves activity. He will want to play."
The Barkley Impasse
Adding another layer of complexity to the Giants' roster decisions is the situation with running back Saquon Barkley. In February 2023, the team extended a long-term offer valued at $13 million annually, which Barkley declined. Consequently, the Giants resorted to placing the franchise tag on him, further evidence of the multifaceted challenges Schoen and Daboll face as they attempt to reformulate a competitive and synergistic team dynamic.
The days ahead promise more Evaluations and decisions for the Giants as they attempt to reassert their footing in the league. With Jones potentially on the move and scouting efforts intensifying, the franchise is in a state of flux, looking to reclaim its position as a formidable force in the NFL ranks. As the saga continues, the resolution of these intertwined narratives will inevitably shape not only the future of those involved but also the very fabric of the New York Giants.