During episode three of the New York Giants‘ offseason “Hard Knocks” program, General Manager Joe Schoen hinted that the team might consider a significant change at quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft. Despite awarding Daniel Jones a four-year, $160 million contract last offseason, the Giants realized within a year that they might need to plan for a future with a different signal-caller.
Giants Contemplated Major Quarterback Shift for 2024
Last season, Jones suffered a torn ACL and has been working diligently to return and impact the upcoming year. However, his multiple injuries and inconsistency have prompted the Giants to explore other options. It’s now known that they considered moving up in the draft to pick Drake Maye from UNC and showed interest in Jayden Daniels from LSU. Unfortunately, potential trade partners like the Washington Commanders and the New England Patriots were not willing to deal.
Strategic Draft Choices
Unable to secure a top quarterback prospect, the Giants opted for the best playmaker available, selecting Malik Nabers sixth overall. Nabers, a standout wide receiver, provides Jones with the most dynamic target he’s had since his 2019 draft entry.
Jones has thrown for over 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns just once in his career. Last year, he threw two touchdowns and six interceptions, including 909 yards. The majority of his production can no longer come on the ground; they need him to throw the ball effectively and operate an explosive offense.
Offensive Line Overhaul
In their bid to revitalize the offense, Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll have made key additions to the offensive line by signing Jon Runyan and Jermaine Eluemunor, both expected to start immediately. The shifting dynamics have seen Evan Neal fall out of favor, with Eluemunor now viewed as a potential starter, his exact position yet to be finalized. Runyan, historically more effective on the left side, could still end up starting at right guard.
Financial Implications and Future Plans
Jones’ future with the Giants hangs in the balance as the team has the option to part ways after the 2024 season. Doing so would incur $22.2 million in dead money but would also free up approximately $19 million in cap space. This financial maneuver could pave the way for drafting a new quarterback, allowing the Giants to capitalize on the salary benefits of a rookie contract.
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With $22.2 million expected in cap space next year and potential to increase that by $19.4 million, the Giants are poised for significant financial flexibility. This flexibility could be further enhanced by restructuring contracts, enabling the team to lower cap hits for new signings in the initial year of free-agent contracts.