Daniel Jones could price himself out of his desired contract from the New York Giants - and potentially earn far less in free agency with another NFL franchise.
The Giants returned to the playoffs in 2022 on the back of the finest season of Jones’ career as the quarterback led New York to a 9-6-1 record as well as playoff victory in Minnesota over the Vikings. In the process, Jones set a franchise record by completing 67.2% of his passes while his passer rating of 92.5 was a career-high.
Jones threw just five interceptions in 472 attempts, while he threw 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 single-season records for a Giants quarterback.
It appears Jones is seeking a big payday ahead of the 2023 season following his impressive season. According to the New York Daily News, he is reportedly looking for more than $45million but this is proving difficult as the Giants are looking to pay both Jones and star running back Saquon Barkley.
The Giants’ latest offer to Jones is reportedly between $35m and $39m, and it would allow the team to use to the franchise tag on Barkley. It seems Jones is holding firm as he knows his worth, although there are only five NFL quarterbacks making at least $45m: Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson.
If the Giants fail to reach a deal with Jones before the start of free agency, New York still has the option to place the franchise tag on him. The league’s deadline for teams to use the franchise tag is March 7.
Jones' salary under the franchise tag would be $32.4million, which Giants general manager Joe Schoen admitted would restrict his options to upgrade other positions on the roster. However, he recently confirmed Jones will be tagged if no long-term deal is struck and insisted the team ultimately expect to keep the 25-year-old as the starter in 2023.
There is a scenario where Jones is priced out of a deal with the Giants, and the former Duke star enters free agency with little leverage. It would likely cost the quarterback tens of millions, although the scene will likely not play out as the Giants could apply the non-exclusive franchise tag before the deadline next Tuesday.
This would allow the Giants to sign Jones to a one-year offer of $32.416m - which is far short of his desired salary. On Friday, ESPN reported there has been progress on a deal between Jones and the Giants, with Jordan Raanan claiming it ‘doesn’t seem unreasonable’ that a contract will be signed before next week.
