Daniel Jones faces NFL blunder after latest contract demand to New York Giants
Daniel Jones has yet to agree an extension with the New York Giants as the NFL’s free agency period approaches – and star running back Saquon Barkley is also waiting to be paid
Daniel Jones could price himself out of his dream contract with the New York Giants — and possibly earn far less in free agency with another NFL franchise.
The Giants returned to the playoffs in 2022 after the best season of Jones’ career when the quarterback led New York to a 9-6-1 record and a Minnesota playoff win over the Vikings. In the process, Jones set a franchise record by completing 67.2% of his passes while his 92.5 passer rating was a career high.
Jones threw for just five interceptions in 472 attempts while throwing for 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns. The 25-year-old also finished second on the team with 708 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, which set a season record for a Giants quarterback.
It appears Jones is targeting a big payday ahead of the 2023 season after his impressive season. He’s reportedly looking for more than $45 million, according to the New York Daily News, but that’s proving difficult as the Giants want to pay both Jones and star running back Saquon Barkley.
The Giants’ latest offer to Jones is reportedly between $35 million and $39 million and would allow the team to use the franchise tag on Barkley. It seems Jones is standing his ground knowing his worth even though there are only five NFL quarterbacks making at least $45 million: Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson.
If the Giants don’t reach an agreement with Jones before free agency begins, New York still has the option to franchise-tag him. The league’s deadline for teams to use the franchise tag is March 7th.
Jones’ salary under the franchise tag would be $32.4 million, which Giants general manager Joe Schoen said would limit his opportunities to advance other positions on the roster. However, he recently confirmed Jones will be tagged if no long-term deal is struck, insisting the team ultimately expect to keep the 25-year-old as a starter in 2023.
There’s a scenario where Jones is priced out of a deal with the Giants and the former Duke star enters the free hand with little clout. It would likely cost the quarterback tens of millions, though the scene likely won’t come to pass since the Giants could apply the nonexclusive franchise tag before next Tuesday’s deadline.
This would allow the Giants to sign Jones on a one-year offer of $32.416 million — well below his desired salary. On Friday, ESPN reported that there had been progress on a deal between Jones and the Giants, with Jordan Raanan claiming it was “not unreasonable” for a contract to be signed before next week.