The New York Giants have been very patient with quarterback Daniel Jones. Entering his sixth NFL season, it’s becoming increasingly important for him to figure things out, or the Giants will be left with no choice but to move on.
On Tuesday, the first episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants” debuted, giving NFL fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the team is navigating its offseason.
Giants GM Joe Schoen seems unsure of what to do with Daniel Jones
In the episode, Giants GM Joe Schoen and his staff are seen discussing what to do regarding Daniel Jones. It was reported earlier in the offseason that the team tried, and failed, to trade up in the draft, targeting North Carolina QB Drake Maye.
Additionally, Jones’ $160 million contract that he signed with the team in 2022 factored into the team’s decision to allow RB Saquon Barkley to depart to the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. This makes it clear that the team still believes in Jones, or perhaps, is attempting to salvage a questionable contract by giving him another chance.
Jones entering another make-or-break season with the Giants
Schoen laid out the expectations for Jones’ make-or-break 2024 campaign to his staff during the episode, and even mentioned the idea of pivoting to find a new quarterback if things don’t go as planned:
“This is the year for Daniel. Plan all along was [to] give him a couple years,” said Schoen to his staff. “Is he our guy for the next 10 years? Or do we need to pivot and find somebody else?”
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Jones’ injury history gives the team probable cause for concern
Schoen and the rest of the Giants’ front office are concerned with Jones’ recent injury history. Last season, the quarterback suffered a neck injury in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. Jones would miss the team’s next three games before making his return in Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
His return from injury was short-lived, as he suffered a torn ACL in the first quarter against the Raiders, effectively ending his season. In a sit-down interview with HBO, Schoen detailed the injury concerns they have for their franchise quarterback while also defending his largest investment.
“The reality is — facts — three serious injuries in two years, we need to protect ourselves,” said Schoen. “He didn’t have much of a chance this year. That’s legit. Like your offseason, your core guys that were gonna play together played less than 60 snaps together. Miami, we got f—— three practice squad guys playing for us.”
Jones will enter the 2024 season looking to make a statement. So far, many would agree his career has been lackluster, and maybe he shouldn’t be given as long of a leash as he’s been given by the Giants. Nonetheless, Jones is still New York’s quarterback, and it’s on him to dispel any narratives questioning his ability to be a franchise quarterback.