Goodnews: Giants QB is back
Although 11-on-11 practice has not yet been a part of Daniel Jones’ recovery from an ACL injury sustained in November, the sixth-year quarterback has long been anticipated to be back by training camp. Jones will once again take the lead role upon his return.
There have been rumors throughout the offseason that Drew Lock might challenge Jones for the position. One such incident, according to Seahawks general manager John Schneider, was caused by the Giants, who “basically sold him on the opportunity to compete to be the starter.” Brian Daboll is the latest to state that there won’t be any quarterback competition during training camp. This suggests that Jones will start for the Giants for a sixth season, barring any setbacks during his almost finished recuperation.
We have discussed that. Regarding the team’s Jones-Lock QB depth chart, Daboll stated (via Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com) that “[Lock] understands his role.” He performed like a great pro. He has undoubtedly been better since being here. It’s good to get two more workdays with the players here, as he might not have as many repetitions with them when we get to training camp.
For the starting quarterbacks of the Giants, the six-year mark offers an intriguing point of differentiation. Y.A. Tittle’s run as a New York QB1 ended after four seasons, while Kerry Collins and Fran Tarkenton’s ended after five. Jones will become one of only three Big Blue quarterbacks in the last 75 years to serve as the team’s primary starter for at least six seasons: Eli Manning, Phil Simms, and Charlie Conerly. The No. 6 overall pick in 2019 and the four-year, $160MM agreement in 2023 have not yielded a tremendous return on investment for the Giants, but its decision-makers have persisted in hoping for another Jones opportunity.
The Giants’ backup plan seems to be a Jones-Lock depth chart. The franchise offered the Patriots Nos. 6 and 47 as well as its 2025 first-round selection. By selecting the North Carolina passer at No. 3, the Pats eliminated the interest in Drake Maye from both the Giants and the Vikings. Even though it’s early in the process, the Giants’ QB class of 2019 did not receive the same kind of reviews as this one, so they are in uncharted area after losing players like Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix. The team’s strategy is still centered on Jones by default.
After Jones in 2019, Lock earned a $5MM ($4.95MM guaranteed) one-year contract. Lock was selected with 36 choices. Although Lock’s choice to sign with the Giants is thought to have been influenced by Jones’ injury history, the former quarterback for the Seahawks and Broncos does not now appear to have a clear path to playing time. As a professional, Jones has missed 21 starts due to injury. The Giants may decide to bench their starter in a late-season scenario to make sure Jones can pass a 2025 physical; if he can’t, the Giants will be responsible for an extra $12MM in injury guarantees for 2025.
23 of Lock’s career starts have come. After leading the NFL in interceptions in 2020, the Broncos demoted him, dashending their hopes that he would develop into a trustworthy option. In 2022, Lock was unable to defeat Geno Smith for the starting position in Seattle. He is now designated as New York’s QB2.
The Giants may release Jones (by a post-June 1 cut) in 2025 for just $11.1MM, assuming no serious injuries occur. Given that Jones has a history of injuries, the team’s fears about his future are evident from the Maye pursuit. Jones, a frequently questioned starter, is slated for another “prove it” season after his 2022 performance persuaded the current Giants administration to reinvest after the team had rejected his fifth-year option.
