The New York Giants have taken a lot of heat for the four-year, $160 million extension they signed quarterback Daniel Jones to last March.
The oft-injured, underperforming former 2019 first-round pick has been a virtual piñata for detractors and critics and the contract has just exacerbated the situation.
Jones has $92 million in guarantees in a deal the team can opt out of after this season. Until then, his cap hit is $47.85 million for 2024, which is 18.74 percent of the Giants’ cap this season.
Dan Duggan of The Athletic writes that Jones’ contract is “worth watching” this season, stating Jones has to bowl management over on the field if he wants to be a Giant after this season.
With tight end Darren Waller retiring and wide receiver Darius Slayton reporting for the offseason program after getting a slightly revised deal, there aren’t any pressing contract decisions for the Giants. This shifts the focus to Jones, who is entering the second year of a four-year, $160 million contract. Jones’ play this season will determine if the Giants keep him for the third year of his contract, which carries a $41.6 million cap hit. The Giants could cut Jones after the season to recoup $19.4 million in cap savings while eating $22.2 million in dead money in 2025.
It’s no secret the Giants were seeking to move up in this year’s NFL draft to select Drake Maye, but the New England Patriots did not budge and took Maye for themselves.
The bottom line is that Jones will be singing for his proverbial supper this season. If he produces, he’ll force the Giants’ hand. If not, they will opt-out.
