The New York Giants’ Time To Contend Is With Daniel Jones On His Rookie Contract

New York Giants, Daniel Jones
Aug 16, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during warm up before NFL game against the Chicago Bears at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants are headed into week one with Eli Manning as their starting quarterback. Daniel Jones has had an impressive preseason, however, it seems that his fate will be the future of the franchise rather than playing right away.

The Giants are gearing up for the perfect time to strike and that will be when Daniel Jones is their starting quarterback. Here’s why:

Daniel Jones Will Be Able To Play With A Solid Core Of Playmakers

The benefit of having a rookie quarterback on a rookie salary is being able to use money in other places to fill holes on the team. Rather than having to worry about making your quarterback the highest paid in NFL history (Dallas Cowboys), look at what the Eagles did with Carson Wentz. They were able to keep him on his rookie deal with a low salary and build around him to win a Super Bowl. Or, what the Rams did with Jared Goff. This might be Dave Gettleman’s plan with Jones on a rookie contract, surrounding him with young talent and contending.

Daniel Jones has all the tools to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Arm talent, athleticism, instincts, and resilience are all traits that Jones has shown in his tenure with the Giants so far. The Giants already have a foundational core of offensive playmakers that will help his adjustment to the NFL quicker.

A core of Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate, and speedy tight end Evan Engram will all play a factor in Jones’ development. Saquon Barkley is arguably the best running back in the NFL, Sterling Shepard has proved to be a productive player, and Evan Engram has the potential to be the best receiving tight end in the NFL if he can stay healthy.

The Giants Will Have Money To Spend

As it stands right now, the Giants are currently projected to have $61 million in 2020 salary cap space. That would give them the eighth-highest amount of cap space heading into the 2020 offseason (247 Sports). With a young defense that still might have holes, the Giants can easily fill them knowing their franchise quarterback has three more years on his rookie deal. This is not even mentioning a potential high draft pick the Giants may get depending on how they do this season.

Eli Manning’s time with the New York football Giants may be coming to an end, but the future is bright for big blue.

Follow me on Twitter: @anthonyrocchio_

More about: