The New York Giants committing to Daniel Jones beyond the 2024 season is certainly an interesting topic of discussion. His contract suggests that moving on after 2024 is the right decision, even if he puts together a good campaign coming off an ACL tear. The Giants stand to gain $19 million in salary space next year if they release Jones, not to mention nearly $30 million if they spread the cap hit over the final two years of his deal.
Evaluating Jones’ Performance and Prospects
However, in what world does Jones survive and maintain his role with the Giants? What kind of season does he have to produce to justify remaining with the team as their primary signal caller?
Comparing with Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys
Let’s look at the Dallas Cowboys, who are letting Dak Prescott ride out the last year of his contract before a potential extension. Last season, Prescott threw for 4,922 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He enjoyed a 69.4% completion rate. These are tremendous numbers that most teams would sacrifice to have at the most critical position in football.
However, Prescott struggles during the postseason, and Dallas is unsure if he can be their long-term solution. His best season came in 2022 when he threw for 3,642 yards, 17 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 66.7% completion rate. It is also important to reference his 805 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Even if you combine all of those, they don’t even come close to what Prescott did last year, and the Cowboys are still on the fence about his future.
Jones’ Crucial Season Ahead
Considering Jones as a long-term solution after the volatility he displayed last year, he would have to have the season of his career by a significant margin, throwing for over 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns. He needs to take significant developmental steps forward, reading the field more efficiently and utilizing his playmakers at unforeseen levels in context with his career averages.
Jones Needs to Step Up for the Giants
The Giants did their best to reinvest in the offensive line, adding Jon Runyan and Jermaine Eluemunor, not to mention the acquisition of Malik Nabers with the 6th overall pick. This is the best-supporting cast Jones has had, so there are no more excuses, and the Giants simply can’t justify his salary hit next year and in 2026 if he can’t elevate his game.
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Looking Ahead: Potential Quarterback Changes
Ultimately, most of the needy quarterback teams have already addressed the position in this most recent draft class, so the Giants will be one of a few teams looking for a potential new quarterback next year. It’s likely that a team with a young passer will be in a position to trade out, and the Giants will be ready to move in case the opportunity presents itself. They already tried to acquire Drake Maye 3rd overall from the New England Patriots, so it is clear they are operating with the intention of replacing Jones, but the cards just didn’t fall their way in this most recent draft.