There are just 10 days left until the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and the New York Giants own the sixth overall pick, putting them within range of potentially having a chance to select a quarterback like Michigan’s JJ McCarthy, a player many consider to be the draft’s fourth-best prospect at the position.
However, the Giants still have their sixth overall pick from the 2019 NFL Draft — quarterback Daniel Jones — and are entering the second season of a four-year, $160 million contract he signed last offseason. He will most certainly be on the roster in 2024 since the G-Men are required to pay him $36 million in guaranteed salary. However, after an ugly 2023 campaign where he threw more interceptions in six games (six to just two touchdowns) than in 16 games played in 2022 (15 touchdown passes and five interceptions), in addition to tearing his ACL , his future beyond the upcoming season could be in doubt.
Jones himself addressed the potential internal competition for his starting quarterback spot on Monday, comparing his long-term future with New York to that of former Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley when he returned to the Giants in 2023 without long-term contract security. Barkley left for the NFC East rivals Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million deal this offseason.
“[It’s] the same thing with that of Saquon [situation last year]”Jones said Monday. “The nature of our business. It’s a competitive league, so the best way to deal with it is to focus on what I’m doing. Focus on myself and making sure I’m healthy and ready to play good football. This is what I can control.
New York would take a $22.21 million cap hit if they release him next offseason, but the Giants would save $19.4 million on the cap by making that move since Jones would no longer have a guaranteed salary on his contract. Still, he maintains he can still be the Giants’ future at quarterback.
“Yes, yes,” Jones said.
Clarity on his position in New York’s long-term plans could come in just 10 days.
