The New York Giants opted not to pick up the fifth-year option on quarterback Daniel Jones’ contract, meaning his rookie deal will expire at the end of the 2022 season, per multiple reports on Thursday.
It was an expected decision for the organization, which has a new leadership regime in general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. For a team that’s currently strapped for cash, picking up Jones’ option would have cost the team $22.3 million in 2023.
The financial hit is a secondary factor for the decision, though, as Jones has yet to prove that he is the Giants’ franchise quarterback of the future.
After surprisingly being taken sixth overall in 2019 by former GM Dave Gettleman, Jones has been hampered by injuries while playing in an offense that has failed to give him much support — whether that’s been an inconsistent carousel of pass catchers, lack of support in the backfield with Saquon Barkley’s injury troubles, or a sieve-like offensive line that has kept the 24-year-old often running for his life.
In 38 career games, he’s completed just 62.8% of his passes with a 17-game average of 3,757 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. That’s not enough production in the pass-happy NFL.
Should Jones prove himself as the team’s No. 1 man moving forward in 2022, the Giants will have the opportunity to franchise tag him. However, the decision not to pick up his option sends a clear message that this upcoming campaign will be a “prove it” year.
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