As the New York Giants gear up for another challenging NFL season, the spotlight intensifies on quarterback Daniel Jones. Following a rollercoaster ride through the 2022 season that saw the Giants clinching a playoff victory, the stakes have never been higher.
Despite Jones’ ability to lead the team to a commendable 9-7-1 regular-season record and a road playoff win, there have been whispers about the Giants’ long-term plans for their quarterback roster.
According to NFL insider Connor Hughes from SNY, the Giants, under the guidance of General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll, had set their sights on a potential new quarterback long before the offseason discussions began.
C.J. Stroud, who recently dazzled for the Houston Texans and bagged the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, was reportedly on their radar as early as January 2022. Hughes reveals, “Schoen and Daboll wanted Stroud when they joined the Giants.”
This revelation underscores a significant sentiment within the Giants’ management: uncertainty about Jones’ future as the franchise quarterback. Hughes explains, “That’s why they didn’t pick up his fifth-year option.” This decision was a clear indicator of the team’s reservations about committing long-term to Jones.
Daniel Jones’ Tumultuous Tenure
Despite the lack of confidence, Jones continued to helm the Giants’ offense through the 2022 season, culminating in a new four-year contract with the team in March 2023. However, his journey was not without its hurdles.
Last season, Jones‘ negotiation tactics reportedly “rubbed many [within the Giants] the wrong way,” hinting at internal frictions. Furthermore, his injury in November 2021, a torn right ACL, casts a shadow over his physical readiness for the upcoming season.
The quarterback scenario within the Giants is further complicated by the presence of Drew Lock, who, despite being seen as a less favorable option by Hughes—”I have my doubts Lock can beat out even a semi-healthy Jones,”—remains a part of the equation. The Giants’ strategy appears to be keeping their options open, possibly preparing for a scenario where Jones is either outperformed or unable to play due to health concerns.
Giants reportedly wanted this Daniel Jones replacement for 2023 season https://t.co/OASwQBCvjy
— New York Giants 𝕩 Peeps (@GIANTSpeeps) May 15, 2024
New York Giants’ Quarterback Conundrum
As the 2023 season approaches, the Giants find themselves at a critical juncture. Will Daniel Jones defy the odds and secure his position as the undisputed starter? Or will the Giants pivot to Drew Lock or another quarterback in pursuit of stability and success? Schoen and Daboll’s next moves will be pivotal in shaping the team’s future.
The Giants were not positioned to secure a top draft pick organically last season and opted to conserve their draft assets to bolster the overall roster. Yet, their interest in North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, who was eventually snapped up by the New England Patriots using the sixth overall pick, signals an ongoing search for elite quarterback talent.
As the new season looms, all eyes will be on Jones to deliver a career-defining performance that could not only secure his future with the Giants but also potentially save the team from a challenging quarterback transition. With his contract and the team’s aspirations hanging in the balance, the pressure is undoubtedly mounting on Daniel Jones to prove that he can be the leader the Giants need.
