Why Giants can't risk losing QB Daniel Jones

By Colum Dell | Last updated Dec 23, 2022 11:42 AM ET

When the Giants declined QB Daniel Jones' fifth-year option last offseason, it appeared that their new regime did not have him penciled into long-term plans.

Now New York (8-5-1) is poised for the playoffs, and while Jones' stat line is not impressive, he's playing like a franchise pocket passer. With the Giants' QB succeeding against all odds, it's nearly impossible to imagine the organization replacing him this offseason.

As a result of having one of the league's worst receiver rooms, Jones has only 2,694 yards passing and 12 TD passes.

Darius Slayton, the team's leading receiver (631 yards), has the highest drop percentage among NFL wide receivers this season (11.3%). No other Giants player has more than 450 receiving yards.

New York's offensive line has been a revolving door throughout Jones' career, and he has paid the price for it. His 41 sacks taken this season are the third most among QBs.

The traditional stats aren't jumping off the page, but Jones is 12th in QBR and ninth in Expected Points Added this season. Those are respectable rankings considering his supporting cast.

The QB has a realistic chance of improving in these categories if New York can improve its roster this offseason.

Jones delivered a turnover-free performance in New York's Week 15 win over Washington (7-6-1).

The fumble issue that plagued Jones early in his career appears over. After losing 11 fumbles in 13 games as a rookie, he has only lost three this season.

Jones' interception percentage is the lowest in the league (1%). He has played nine games this season in which he didn't turn the ball over, tied for most with Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa.

Other than Baltimore's Lamar Jackson, Jones is the only upcoming free-agent QB with true dual-threat ability. He has rushed for 583 yards this season, second most on the team and already the most in a season by any QB in Giants history.

The Giants should be able to retain Jones on a team-friendly deal, but they shouldn't be overly cautious if that number exceeds $25 million annually.

Outside of Jackson, Tampa Bay's Tom Brady, and Seattle's Geno Smith, Jones is the best QB hitting the market. However, Jones has been more clutch than any of those options this season, leading New York on five game-winning drives.

Even if it sounds unlikely that another team would overpay for Jones, the Giants cannot risk letting him hit the open market. He's on the verge of being a playoff QB.

How many wins would the crosstown Jets have with Jones leading their offense? Could the Commanders take a shot at him?

Jones has the talent to be successful in the NFL, and while four years should be enough time to evaluate, the Giants haven't done their part in putting him in a healthy environment to know what they have.

Heading back to the playoffs for the first time in the Jones era would be a strong first step for his development. Acquiring a game-changing receiver would also aid his growth.

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