Giants Hedging Bets on Daniel Jones's Return (for Now)

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen reiterated that the plan is to stick with embattled quarterback Daniel Jones for the immediate future.

However, there are some "buts" to that sentiment, namely the uncertainty regarding the fifth-year quarterback's recovery from a torn ACL, which may or may not have Jones ready for the start of the season next year.

That uncertainty, combined with the fact that Tyrod Taylor is set to be an unrestricted free agent, makes it hard for Schoen to deny that the quarterback position won't be addressed this off-season. But how they address it is the big question.

Schoen admitted that the Giants will need someone to be a starting-caliber quarterback next year if Jones isn't ready. That someone could be Tommy DeVito, who will be entering his second season, or Jacob Eason, who is expected to be signed from the practice squad to a reserve/futures contract. However, it's more than likely the Giants will explore other veteran options.

Then, there is the matter of the draft. The Giants, thanks to their win against the Eagles, fell one spot in the draft order to No. 6. That could put them out of reach for the top quarterbacks in the class, barring a trade-up, which Schoen didn't sound too enthused about given his stated excitement about having four picks in the top 70 draft slots.

"Plan for the worst and hope for the best," Schoen said. "Ultimately, we have to do something, whether it's the draft or free agent, just because Tyrod (Taylor's) contract is up, we have Tommy (DeVito) who is under contract, and then Daniel's injury and the return to play, and the uncertainty there. When free agency starts, the draft, whichever avenue we take, we will address the position."

Schoen did admit that Jones's injury history--two neck issues in three years and now the ACL--was something he'd need to consider. But Schoen answered in the affirmative when asked if he felt he could build around Jones despite his injury history. 

"It's football, and guys get hurt. You can't always predict it," he said. "I think guys who have previous injuries – you've got to look at the injuries individually and what they were and how they were caused, but I've got a lot of faith in our training staff. So again, hopefully, he'll be back for Week 1."

As for the draft, Schoen surprisingly didn't tip his hand regarding any prospects he might have interest in, only saying that he thought the class was "a good draft" on the whole. 

Schoen also didn't rule out the possibility of bringing Taylor back, saying, "We'll talk to all the UFAs. The representatives, by the time we get to the combine, we'll usually circle up with those guys. So yeah, it's not out of the question. I thought he played well for us."