Despite a slow start to 2024 training camp, New York Giants president and CEO John Mara remained steadfast in his support for prized quarterback Daniel Jones.
The Giants gave Jones a four-year, $160 million contract, with $82 million guaranteed, following a stellar season. However, Jones struggled last season, missing time due to a neck injury and posting a 1-5 record as a starter before tearing the ACL in his right knee.
John Mara still high on Daniel Jones with the New York Giants
“I’m still happy we gave him that contract, because I thought he played really well for us in ’22,” said Giants co-owner John Mara as reported by Jordan Raanan of ESPN.
The Giants extended Jones' contract following his role in leading the team to the divisional round in the 2022 season. At 27 years old, Jones threw for 22 touchdowns (15 passing) in 16 games that year and achieved a career-best 92.5 passer rating. However, a torn ACL restricted him to just six games in 2023.
“Last year, he got hurt. Let’s be honest, when he was playing, we weren’t blocking anybody. So, let’s give him a chance with a better offensive line, with some weapons around him to see what he can do,” he continued.
New York faced significant scrutiny for signing Jones to a contract averaging $40 million per year with $82 million guaranteed. This deal, which keeps him under contract until the 2026 season, doesn't include any guaranteed salary beyond 2024.
“I was nervous about giving up too much to go and get a quarterback, but I was prepared to let them do that if that’s what they wanted to do. We made a decision to stay with Daniel and add a weapon for him, and I think that’s going to work out for us.”
Putting faith on Daniel Jones
The Giants considered quarterbacks before the draft, a move that Jones admitted he wasn’t thrilled about, but ultimately selected wide receiver Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick. As Jones enters a crucial season with his future at stake, the Giants remain confident in his ability to succeed.
With Nabers joining the team alongside promising young receivers Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson, the upcoming season could be pivotal for Jones. It will be his chance to demonstrate whether he can lead the Giants to the postseason and potentially set the stage for future playoff runs.
Since being selected No. 6 overall in 2019, Jones has thrown for over 20 touchdowns only once, achieving 24 as a rookie.
The former Blue Devils quarterback has maintained a 64.3% completion rate, averaging 3,545 yards and 18 touchdowns against 11 interceptions per 17 games. Additionally, he has averaged 542 rushing yards and four touchdowns, with 13 fumbles.
Under Jones, the Giants have posted a 22-36-1 record, with their offense never ranking better than 15th in total points during a full season. New York finished 6-11 in 2023, marking their sixth losing season in the past seven years.
A revamped Giants roster
Although Jones remained with the Giants, the team underwent significant changes in the offseason. They allowed running back Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney to leave in free agency. Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, while McKinney joined the Green Bay Packers.
General Manager Joe Schoen and Coach Brian Daboll are facing a crucial third year with a restructured roster that lacks star power.
After a surprising playoff appearance in their first season, the Giants struggled to a 6-11 finish last year. To turn things around, they acquired edge rusher Brian Burns, drafted wide receiver Malik Nabers, and brought in three potential starting offensive linemen: John Runyan Jr., Jermaine Eluemunor, and Greg Van Roten.
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