Daniel Jones isn't giving up his job as the Giants' starting quarterback without a fight.
Amid speculation that the Giants could reset by using the No. 6 draft pick at quarterback, Jones said Monday that he will complete rehab from a torn ACL in time to play in Week 1 of the 2024 season. He said he expected to do so.
“The goal is to be back in time for training camp,” Jones said Monday as he emptied his Giants locker. He “feels like he's making good progress.”
With only Jones and Tommy DeVito remaining under contract through 2024, the Giants need to add a quarterback somehow.
But adding a journeyman veteran or drafting a rookie in the mid- or late rounds is an entirely different proposition than pursuing top prospects Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jaden Daniels.
Releasing Jones so soon after signing a four-year, $160 million contract extension last March is specifically expected to count $47.1 million against the salary cap in 2024 and $22.2 million in 2025. Given the dollar dead cap, it could be a tough pill to swallow. If I let go.
If six tough starts and two injuries were enough to change the direction of the franchise, considering that Jones' resume certainly suggested injuries and inconsistency down the stretch would recur. , the contract may be considered to be in error.
“Once you sign Daniel, you see how it was structured,” general manager Joe Schon said of the Giants' plans accelerated by an unexpected 9-7-1 season in 2022. He spoke with rare recognition. Facilitate the process and give him a chance for success. ”
I could see the Giants using the No. 6 pick on a receiver or offensive lineman to make things easier than when Jones threw two touchdowns, six interceptions and was sacked 30 times in six starts. Don't you want to?
“I'm confident in myself and my abilities,” Jones said. “Everything I got from the coaches and management was belief and confidence in me.”
Shane sang a similar tune on Monday, but admitted Jones' injury history “absolutely” has to be factored into planning.
In addition to the torn ACL, Jones also suffered his second major neck injury in the past three seasons. Jones said his neck rehabilitation has been completed and there is “no cause for concern”.
“Each injury is caused by different situations and situations, but I'm confident that I'm healthy,” Jones said.
There, Schoen strengthened his belief that he could build around a quarterback who missed games in four of his five seasons.
“This is football and players get hurt,” Schoen said. “It’s not always predictable.”
However, Coach Schoen was less forthcoming about whether Jones would be ready to play in about 244 days.
“We might not be ready for Week 1,” Schoen said. “You prepare for the worst and hope for the best. The same way you plan for something he's not ready for, you can expect a guy to win some games early on even if he's not ready. You’re going to need it.”
