EAST RUTHERFORD (N.J.) — The New York GiantsHave opted to decline the fifth-year option for quarterback Daniel JonesA source said that the contract would have guaranteed the rookie quarterback $22.39 million next season. It would have guaranteed the team's starting QB $22.39million next season.
Giants selected to opt for the fifth-year option in the rookie contract of defensive player Dexter LawrenceThe team announced. The 2017 NFL draft's 17th overall selection is now guaranteed $10.8million for the 2023 football season.
Jones, 24 was selected sixth in the 2019 draft from Duke. Although the Giants think Jones is a good quarterback, he has not yet proven it on the field. Jones missed the first three seasons of his professional career due to injury and has thrown just 21 touchdown passes during his two most recent seasons.
Jones' rookie record of 24 touchdown passes is still a career high.
It was easy to decide on Jones as the young quarterback. Jones was not guaranteed more than $20 million by the Giants until he performed consistently at a level that made it clear that he was a top-tier quarterback. Although they may be optimistic, it has not happened in his first three seasons under three different offensive coordinators.
Joe Schoen, general manager, mentioned the cautionary tale about the Carolina PanthersAnd Sam DarnoldHe was hired shortly after. The Panthers traded Darnold for him, and he was granted his fifth-year option. This is before he played any games for the Panthers. Carolina spent the offseason trying to find a replacement for Darnold at quarterback, but have remained with Darnold.
ClevelandThe final landing was at Deshaun WatsonSimilar situation with Baker MayfieldLast year, he was also granted his fifth-year option.
The Giants have high hopes and confidence in Jones. They do. They can use the franchise tag for next year at $30 million, or sign Jones to a longer-term contract if he performs the way they expect. They don’t feel the need for any commitments at this stage.
Jones will continue to be the Giants' starter in the inaugural season. The organization has high expectations, despite signing veteran players. Tyrod TaylorThis offseason, you can sign a 2-year contract.
John Mara, coowner, said that Daniel is capable of playing earlier in the year. Since he arrived, we have done everything to make this kid miserable. We keep changing coaches, keep changing coordinators, keep changing offensive line coaches. That is a large part of my responsibility. Let's now bring in the right coach group to help him and rebuild the offensive lines. Then, he will be able make an intelligent decision about whether or not he is ready to be the franchise quarterback.
Later in the offseason, Mara said that you either have your quarterback or not. He believed the Giants had theirs. Taylor, who is being signed for $5.5million next year, could be a viable option as a bridge player in the event Jones doesn't pan out.
Lawrence, 24, was a three-year veteran in the middle of Giants' defense. He recorded 52 tackles and 2.5sacks last year.
