2023 was a rough year for New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, as a torn ACL cut short a campaign that also saw his game regress from a strong 2022 season. The team nearly drafted his replacement this offseason, but elected to take a wide receiver with their first-round pick and give Jones at least one more opportunity to prove himself worthy of being the franchise quarterback.
Giants’ Bobby Okereke believes in Daniel Jones
Giants’ linebacker Bobby Okereke, who is entering his second season with the G-men, thinks that Jones will put in a strong season in 2024 thanks to his work ethic.
“He’s just got poise,” Okereke said on the Up And Adams Show. “He’s faced a lot of adversity since he’s been here, obviously scrutiny from the New York fans, and injuries, he’s dealt with a lot. But to see his mentality and his demeanor, poised is what comes to mind.”
Okereke was signed to a four-year deal with the Giants last offseason and was one of the very few bright spots in a dark season. He was one of just four players to play in every defensive snap for their team and had the seventh-most tackles in the NFL with 92. While he excelled, Jones was one of those that didn’t have the same impact.
Last season saw Jones and the Giants take a massive step back
2023 was supposed to be the year that Jones and the Giants capitalized on their first playoff win in over a decade the season prior. Along with signing Okereke, the team also traded for tight end Darren Waller and brought back Saquon Barkley via the franchise tag. Unfortunately, everything broke down for them, as the offensive line struggled horrifically, Jones didn’t play well and injuries across the roster plagued them. The Giants finished 6-11 and missed the postseason, making the previous season seem like an anomaly.
The massive step back has led to many wondering if Jones can remain as the team’s quarterback long-term. Since the Giants drafted him in 2019, he has a record of 22-36-1, but the fact that he has a playoff win could be why the team is hesitant to cut ties with him at this point. Currently, he’s playing on a four-year, $160 million contract that he got after leading them to the playoffs in 2022. However, there is a potential out in the deal that the Giants could use next summer if they feel as though they should move on from Jones. If they take the out, they will owe $22.2 million in dead cap money from the contract.
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The Giants have a much younger group heading into this season
Looking ahead to this season, the team looks a lot different, as Waller announced his retirement and Barkley signed with the division rival Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. Jones now has a revamped group that includes younger and more athletic receivers, though a lot of the receiving corps is undeveloped talent, so it is up to Jones to get the most out of them in 2024.
The Giants clearly have strong faith that Jones can return to his 2022 form. It is a make-or-break season for him, and despite the team’s low expectations coming in, a lot can be discovered about their future this upcoming season.
