Robert Griffin III blasts Daniel Jones' rumored contract demands
New York Giants QB Daniel Jones' reported contract demands have caused controversy because many believe he hasn't accomplished enough to justify his asking price. Robert Griffin III, the No. 2 overall pick in 2012, has become Jones' latest skeptic.
The QB market was very active on Monday. Former Raiders QB Derek Carr signed with the Saints on a four-year, $150 million deal, and Geno Smith re-signed with the Seahawks on a three-year, $105 million deal.
The annual salaries for Carr and Smith are $37.5 million and $35 million, respectively, which Griffin used to compare to Jones' rumored asking price of at least $40 million.
Is $40 million per year a reasonable salary for Jones? No, but if anyone is to blame for the high asking price, it should be the Giants.
GM Joe Schoen declined Jones' fifth-year option when the Giants hired him last offseason. While it seemed like the right decision at the time, the Giants knew they could face a costly extension if Jones performed well.
Pro Football Network's Trey Wingo responded to Griffin's tweet, implying Jones may end up with a $40 million annual contract because of the free-agency system.
While Griffin believes the system is "broken," Jones has every right to try and maximize his earnings this offseason. Free agency allows players to surpass the previous record contracts given to those before them. It happens every offseason, and now it's Jones' turn to negotiate.
Last season, Jones posted multiple career highs, including in passing and rushing yards, in addition to having the fewest interceptions per 100 pass attempts among NFL QBs. Oddly enough, Jones became the second QB since the NFL-AFL merger to record at least seven rushing touchdowns and five or fewer interceptions in a season, the first being Griffin.
According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Jones' agents and the Giants have continued discussing a long-term extension, with the team now standing firm on its latest offer. Breer says a deal "may come down to the wire" as the franchise tag deadline approaches.
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