With training camp just around the corner, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones should be ready to go and is physically in good shape. Jones has been rehabilitating from a torn ACL this offseason, fighting his way back ahead of a campaign that will define his future.
Giants’ Quarterback Strategy
Based on discussions by General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll, featured in the latest episodes of HBO’s Hard Knocks, it is evident they were keen on replacing Jones if the opportunity presented itself.
Unfortunately, they were unable to move up in the draft and ended up selecting Malik Nabers with the 6th overall pick, which certainly wasn’t a bad move. However, the 27-year-old quarterback is entering a year that must be marked by excellence.
The Giants can opt out of his deal after the 2024 season, which would count $22.2 million in dead cap space but allow them to save $19 million for the 2025 offseason. In addition, they would be free of his contract in 2026, when he would have a projected $58.6 million cap hit without any restructures.
Jones’ Readiness and Expectations
At his camp for kids over the weekend, Jones indicated his readiness for the months ahead.
“Feel good, yeah, I’m ready to go,” Jones said at his camp for kids at Hoboken High School, via the New York Post. “Ready to go in training camp. I’m looking forward to Wednesday.”
Last season, Jones produced just 909 yards with a 67.5% completion rate, two touchdowns, and six interceptions.
In other words, he was a liability in many ways and inconsistent. It has taken years for Jones to shake off some of his bad habits, and coming off a significant injury, it is unlikely he suddenly turns into a top-10 quarterback. Of course, his work ethic is unparalleled, and he puts in the time to improve, but he has yet to experience that level of growth.
“I’m excited,” Jones said. “We got some new guys coming in and we’ll be a different team than last year, so it’s about finding out who the team is going to be and grow and build chemistry and be on the same page.”
Reinforcements and Expectations
Adding Nabers and reinforcing the offensive line should allow Jones to be a far more effective player, but he can’t simply be efficient; he needs to be excellent to convince the Giants that he is the future.
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The team will have an opportunity to secure a quarterback in next year’s draft class, even though it’s not as strong as the most recent class. Nonetheless, Jones’s health is an important variable to the Giants’ success, and they’ve built an offense around him that should be at least competent in many ways.