New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Daniel Jones, Giants were minutes away from deadline before reaching deal

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 3/8/23

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones found out about his contract extension just minutes before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, just like the rest of us.

Daniel Jones said he was in the Giants facility yesterday and found out at “3:53, 3:54” that a deal was done.
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) March 8, 2023

Daniel Jones found out about the new contract at 3:53 or 3:54 p.m. from his agents. Tight against the deadline.

He later went out to dinner with his agents and some friends. Did say he picked up the check.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) March 8, 2023

Joe Schoen says each side had to give a little bit on Tuesday to get a deal done. Both sides stood firm on what was most important to them and conceded in other places, he said. He says the clock read 354pm when it got done
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) March 8, 2023

The timeline matches up with theScore's Jordan Schultz tweet at 3:54 p.m. ET on Tuesday that broke the news that Jones and the Giants had agreed to a four-year extension. Soon after, it was reported by numerous outlets that the agreement was for $160 million, and that Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley was receiving the non-exclusive franchise tag for the 2023 season.

Tuesday's deadline for teams across the league to use their franchise tag was 4 p.m. ET.

Daniel Jones on the negotiations going down to the wire: “There’s certainly an emotional component to it and you feel the pressure of the deadline.”
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) March 8, 2023

Daniel Jones: “I think it’s a great deal for both sides. It allows us to do some things going forward.”
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) March 8, 2023

After being selected by the G-Men with the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Jones had an up-and-down first three seasons in the league. The team went just 12-25 in his 37 starts and he threw 29 interceptions and had a whopping 36 fumbles (including a league-leading 19 as a rookie). Under first-year head coach Brian Daboll in 2022 though, "Danny Dimes" silenced many of his critics.

Jones had by far the best campaign of his career last season in a crucial spot, leading New York to a surprising playoff berth by posting career bests in completion percentage (67.2%), passing yards (3,205), quarterback rating (92.5), rushing yards (708), rushing touchdowns (seven) and game-winning drives (five), which was second in the NFL. The 25-year-old also had career lows in interceptions (five) and fumbles (six).

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