Giants still believe in QB Daniel Jones despite declining fifth-year option?

Two things that seem quite different on paper can be true at the same time. In this instance, individuals associated with the New York Giants can have faith that 2019 first-round draft selection Daniel Jones will prove to be the club's franchise quarterback but still not want to hand him the figurative keys to the kingdom this spring. 

As had widely been expected for weeks, if not months, the Giants reportedly decided to decline the fifth-year option attached to Jones' rookie contract ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft that opens Thursday night. That option reportedly would've cost the Giants $22.38 million in guaranteed money for the 2023 season.

While Jones will be on a one-year "prove it" deal this fall, SNY's Ralph Vacchiano reported Thursday afternoon that Giants ownership and individuals such as general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll "have continually expressed their belief, both publicly and privately, that they think (Jones) is their long-term answer at quarterback."

Vacchiano added that Jones' well-known issues with injuries and turnovers left the Giants "leery of making a long-term investment in him." 

Most recently, a neck injury sidelined Jones for the final six games of this past season. In total, he's thrown 29 interceptions and lost 20 fumbles in 38 career games, 37 starts, during his New York tenure. 

As Vacchiano explained, the Giants have journeyman veteran Tyrod Taylor signed through the 2023 season, and Taylor could ultimately mentor Jones and Jones' replacement if the 24-year-old isn't retained via the franchise tag or a new contract next winter.