Jones’ Case for a Big Payday

Daniel Jones has had his ups and downs during his time with the Giants, but he has also shown flashes of potential that have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. In his rookie year, he threw for 3,027 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also showed impressive mobility, rushing for 279 yards and two touchdowns. Jones’ second year was marred by injuries, but he still managed to throw for 2,943 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in just 14 games. He also improved his completion percentage and passer rating, both of which are key metrics for evaluating quarterbacks.

Furthermore, Jones has been dealing with a less than ideal supporting cast. The Giants offensive line has been one of the worst in the league until recently, and the team has struggled to find consistent weapons for Jones to throw to. Despite these challenges, Jones has managed to put up respectable numbers and has shown the potential to be a franchise quarterback. Jones took great strides forward this past season under the tutelage of Brian Daboll as he led the Giants to a playoff upset over the Vikings. His poise and mobility were on full display during the game and it’s something that cannot be ignored.

Another argument for paying Jones a big contract is the current state of the quarterback market. In recent years, quarterbacks have been signing massive deals, with players like Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, and Deshaun Watson all signing contracts worth over $40 million per year. The salary cap is also expected to increase in the coming years, which means that quarterback salaries will likely continue to rise. With that in mind it may not be that far fetched to pay Jones in the 40 million range.

Against Paying Jones $45 Million Per Year

While Jones has shown potential, there are also several reasons why he may not be worth $45 million per year. For one, he has struggled with consistency, both in terms of his performance from game to game, and his ability to stay healthy. Jones missed significant time due to injuries in his first three seasons, and his turnover-prone play has also been a cause for concern. In fact, Jones has thrown many untimely interceptions and has had fumbling issues.

Another argument against paying Jones $45 million per year is the opportunity cost. The Giants have several other areas of need, including the offensive line, wide receiver, and of course free agent to be Saquon Barkley. If the team were to invest so much money in Jones, they may not be able to address these other needs, which could hurt the team in the long run.

At the end of the day it’s hard to justify paying Daniel Jones that much money if you’re the Giants. Ownership may well view Jones as the next Eli Manning and there are some similarities there but the price tag is just too high. If I am the Giants I am paying Barkley what he’s worth and letting Jones test the free agent market.

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In the long history of the NFL, there have been several quarterbacks who have had a good amount of success while not being the best player on their team. Phil Simms immediately comes to mind. Like Manning, Simms led the Giants to two Super Bowls in an earlier incarnation of the team. Both Giants quarterbacks led teams that were anchored by great defenses. Manning played with Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, and Justin Tuck. Simms played with Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson.

Manning led the NFL in interceptions three times (2007, 2010, 2013). In the same career, he never led the league in touchdowns, quarterback rating, or any of the other flattering quarterback statistics. Likewise, Simms never led the league in touchdowns, and relied on his superior defense to put him in a position where he could manage the offense well enough for them to win games.

Career Averages Per Season

• Manning: 14.8 games, 305.9 completions, 507.4 attempts, 22.9 touchdowns, 15.3 interceptions
• Simms: 11.7 games, 184 completions, 331.9 attempts, 14.2 touchdowns, 11.2 interceptions

There are obviously things that draw distinctions in this statistic comparison – length of season, different standards for defensive penalties, etc. Across eras, though, Manning and Simms are both middle-of-the-road when compared to contemporaries.

Trent Dilfer won the Super Bowl in 2000, his only season with the Baltimore Ravens. The 2000 Ravens are remembered for having one of the greatest defenses in the history of the NFL. Dilfer’s job was to manage the offensive gameplan, keep mistakes at a minimum, and allow the defense to keep games winnable. He did his job well enough for the team to win a championship. Few remember him when looking back on the historic teams throughout the league timeline, but he did what he had to do.

To be fair, Manning isn’t quite Dilfer. The 2007 Super Bowl is remembered for the all-time great “helmet catch” by David Tyree after Manning escaped a New England pass rush. But when considering the totality of his career, it’s difficult to spin it in a way that leads to the Hall of Fame. He has always existed in Peyton’s shadow, which is unfair but predictable. Older brother is one of the top three or four quarterbacks in NFL history. But hey, younger brother took down the Patriots twice in the Super Bowl, so there’s that.

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