Giants legend links QB Daniel Jones with Jets

New York Giants legend Tiki Barber believes quarterback Daniel Jones could and even should be targeted by the New York Jets. 

"If the Jets get stuck with nobody … the guy who is across the town, Daniel Jones, is more valuable to them than he is to the New York Giants," Barber explained during Tuesday's edition of the "Tiki and Tierney" WFAN program, per Jaclyn Hendricks of the New York Post. 

The Giants and Jets are responsible for two of the most fascinating quarterback situations of the ongoing NFL offseason. Jones is on track to hit free agency when the new league year opens in March, and the Jets aren't hiding that they're looking for an upgrade over second-year pro Zach Wilson. 

Barber pointed out that head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen weren't attached to the Giants when the organization's prior regime spent a first-round draft pick on Jones in 2019. Schoen declined the fifth-year option of Jones' rookie contract last year. 

"They still got a lot of pieces they got to get in place before they’re viable — before they can even beat the (Philadelphia Eagles)," Barber said. "Daniel Jones makes a lot of sense for the Jets, as crazy as it sounds."

The Eagles twice thrashed the Giants during this past season in games that didn't include some healthy starters sitting out. Philadelphia crushed New York 48-22 at MetLife Stadium in Week 14 and then humbled its NFC East rival to the tune of 38-7 in a postseason matchup held in the "City of Brotherly Love" last month. 

It's widely believed the Giants won't let Jones hit the open market and will use the franchise tag, if necessary, to retain his rights for 2023. As Mark Puleo and Jeff Howe of The Athletic recently mentioned, a player on a non-exclusive franchise tag is eligible to negotiate a deal with a new team that could result in his original club receiving two first-round draft picks as compensation.

"If you can trade a draft pick or two for a quarterback, who could be your future, and you’re desperate to win now, as well as when in the future, Daniel Jones fits the mold," Barber said about the Jets making such a splash. 

The Jets realistically could strike out in their pursuit of Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers and then watch former Las Vegas Raiders starter Derek Carr sign elsewhere as a free agent. Thus, Jones could prove to be a "break glass in case of emergency" option for Gang Green. 

For what it's worth, ESPN NFL insider Dianna Russini tweeted on Tuesday afternoon that the Giants "are planning for" Jones to remain their quarterback and will eventually "figure out" the status of star running back and fellow pending free agent Saquon Barkley: