Daniel Jones’ contract demands may send him packing in NY
Daniel Jones entered 2023 with his fifth-year option declined by the New York Giants. Jones finished the season with a 9-7 record and a trip to the playoffs. The playoff match versus the Minnesota Vikings ended in victory but the Giants were soundly defeated in the following round by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jones still ended the season throwing for 3,205 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions (3rd least amount of INTs). Jones also ran for an impressive 708 yards with 7 rushing touchdowns. Jones showed clear improvement in the 2022 season and a substantial amount of his success was due to his coach, the 2022 NFL Coach of the Year Brian Daboll.
Jones was initially considered a sure thing to be a free agent in 2023 with his contract expiring. After the 2022 season concluded the majority agreed that Jones should be the Giants’ starter for the future. The issue that the Giants face now is Daniel Jones’ contract demands are mind-boggling. Reports have surfaced that Jones is requesting an extension valued at approximately $45 million dollars a year. Hardly the sum many projected Jones’ extension to be calculated at.
Report: #Giants QB Daniel Jones could possibly want as much as $45 million or more per season on his next contract, per @ProFootballTalk
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 20, 2023
Jones has reportedly wanted more than the #Giants have initially offered him. pic.twitter.com/OoEgGuqDTz
If Jones indeed received a contract of that magnitude would be paid the same as Patrick Mahomes and would fall just below Deshaun Watson, Aaron Rodgers, Kyler Murray, and Russell Wilson. The idea that Daniel Jones would make the same money as two-time Super Bowl Champion and NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes is mind-boggling. Giants fans appear to agree.
The Giants should let Daniel Jones walk before they ever pay him $30M a year, let alone $45M.
— Jared Moore (@MrJaredMoore) February 20, 2023
The Giants face a tough predicament. Star running back Saquon Barkley is also a free agent. Either Barkley or Jones could be franchise tagged while the other is granted an extension or is welcome to explore free agency.
The Giants have to consider the future and unexpectedly having a quarterback who ranked in the top 15 range of quarterbacks to demand top 5 money is a challenge. There are several other weaknesses that need to be addressed on the Giants’ roster. Paying extensions to both Barkley and Jones at these prices is not feasible.
The question also stands; will Jones be as good on a different team without a top head coach like Brian Daboll to help him? Should Jones take the risk of going to another team and possibly not be as successful with a different coaching staff?
Jones should consider these questions when his agents sit down at the negotiating table with the Giants’ front office. If the Giants don’t believe Jones is worth the high price, which he may not be, and Jones won’t budge he could be wearing new colors in 2023.