New York Giants: The perfect backup quarterback for Daniel Jones already has ties with Brian Daboll

mitchell trubisky, knicks

The New York Giants learned a difficult lesson last season after Daniel Jones went down with a neck injury against the Philadelphia Eagles. Behind Jones, the Giants had Mike Glennon, who once received a lucrative contract from the Chicago Bears but failed miserably to elevate New York’s offense, recording a 53.9% completion rate and 10 interceptions over six games.

It is clear that the Giants need to upgrade their backup quarterback position, and they will have a few free-agent options to choose from, including Marcus Mariota, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Andy Dalton, and even Tyrod Taylor.

However, the most sensible option might be Mitchell Trubisky, who spent last season with the Buffalo Bills under Brian Daboll’s leadership on offense. Trubisky appeared in six games, completing six passes for 43 yards and an interception.

The former Chicago Bear once reached the Pro Bowl at 24 years old back in 2018, recording 3,223 yards, 24 touchdown passes, and a 66. 6% completion rate. While those numbers stand out compared to Daniel Jones’s statistics over the past three seasons, Trubisky’s demise led him to become a backup just as fast as he elevated to star status.

Daboll had only positive things to say about Trubisky, and considering he knows the playbook the Giants’ new head coach utilized in Buffalo, he is the obvious option in free agency.

“Mitch has been a really good addition since he’s been here. (He’s) a guy that’s played 50-some games, has seen a lot of football,” Brian Daboll said of Mitchell Trubsiky last year after. “Standing back at that position, it’s different than watching it from the press box or watching it from the sideline or anything like that. There’s things that have happened to him throughout his young career so far that I think can help Josh and assist Josh, and vice-versa. I’m glad we have Mitch.”

You could also make the argument that Trubisky might light a fire under Jones, given the former 6th overall pack has failed to showcase franchise-level play since being drafted in 2019. Jones tossed just 10 touchdown passes last season and seven interceptions, but the front office is keen to build around him, given his mobility and arm talent.
The Giants have to make a big decision regarding his fifth-year option in May, which would pay him upwards of $20 million in 2023. Alternatively, they can decline his fifth year and either offer him an extension if he plays at a high level or slap him with the franchise tag.
Committing to Jones beyond this season might be a bit premature, especially if he doesn’t take the necessary leap forward. Bearing that in mind, giving him a one-year prove-it deal, which would essentially be the final year of his rookie contract, might be enough to propel him upward. He would end up making more money than the fifth your option would offer regardless, so it might be in the best interest of both the Giants and Jones individually.
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