Reporter explains why Giants paid Daniel Jones this offseason

Fox Sports NFC East reporter Ralph Vacchiano revealed the New York Giants signed Daniel Jones this offseason because they believe he'll emerge as an elite quarterback beginning this fall. 

"They didn't do it because they had to, or because they had no other options," Vacchiano explained in a piece published Tuesday. "They did it because they wanted to, and because the new regime of general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll — who were both somewhat skeptical of Jones when they were hired a year ago — were sold on his talent and potential." 

The Giants declined the fifth-year option attached to Jones' rookie contract last spring, and the 26-year-old responded by helping New York earn a playoff berth and a road postseason victory in Daboll's first year with the organization. Statmuse shows Jones led the NFL for the 2022 regular season with an interception percentage of 1.1%, and ESPN stats note he was tied for sixth among all eligible quarterbacks with a 60.8 adjusted QBR. 

It was learned shortly before the March 7 deadline for teams to use their franchise tags that the Giants and Jones agreed to a four-year contract that could be worth up to $160M with $82M guaranteed. Schoen subsequently acquired tight end Darren Waller and wide receivers Parris Campbell, Jeff Smith and speedy rookie Jalin Hyatt to assist his QB1. 

"They believe — truly — that if they give him a better offensive line and more weapons, he can be a top-10 quarterback, and maybe more," Vacchiano added about the Giants' faith in Jones. "They're not there yet — and neither is he — but the Giants did improve the talent around him and they certainly expect Jones' passing numbers will go up this year. This is a long-term project, though." 

While Jones finished last season fifth among quarterbacks with 708 rushing yards, he was also tied for 21st with 15 passing touchdowns and 15th with 3,205 yards through the air. Vacchiano insisted the Giants think Jones will evolve as an offensive CEO who wins games more so with his arm than his legs, but it's worth pointing out the franchise potentially could move on from the 2019 first-round draft pick shortly after the 2024 campaign if he isn't a top-10 player at his position by that time.