Giants legend makes bold Daniel Jones claims

New York Giants legend Tiki Barber remains high on quarterback Daniel Jones ahead of the summer. 

Per Ryan Chichester of Audacy, Barber said during Monday's edition of the WFAN "Tiki and Tierney" program he believes Jones is "definitely" a top-10 NFL quarterback. Barber added he thinks Jones is "better" than Seattle Seahawks veteran Geno Smith, unproven signal-caller Sam Howell of the Washington Commanders, young San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Trey Lance and both Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

According to ESPN stats, Jones finished this past regular season ranked sixth (tied with Smith) among qualified players with a 60.8 adjusted QBR. The first-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft tossed 15 touchdown passes with just five interceptions, and he was fifth among all quarterbacks with 708 rushing yards. Jones also scored seven rushing touchdowns and, most importantly, guided the Giants to a playoff berth and a road postseason win at the Minnesota Vikings. 

Before the Giants signed Jones to a four-year deal worth up to $160M that includes an additional $35M in incentives and $82M in fully guaranteed cash, Barber confidently declared the 26-year-old will soon become the NFC East's best overall quarterback playing under head coach Brian Daboll for more than just one season. 

On Monday, Barber said he's convinced Jones is better than Kirk Cousins of the Vikings, Derek Carr of the New Orleans Saints, Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams, Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys starter Dak Prescott, Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers rookie Bryce Young, injured Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and Desmond Ridder of the Atlanta Falcons. 

"There’s one quarterback I would maybe take over him," Barber said about Jones after the retired running back spoke highly of Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts. "He’s the second-best quarterback in the NFC." 

Barber indicated in February he assumes Jones will only improve with more time in Daboll's offense similar to how Buffalo Bills starter Josh Allen evolved when Daboll served as Buffalo's offensive coordinator. Barber also mentioned how the Giants did well to add weapons this offseason such as tight end Darren Waller, rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt and former Indianapolis Colts receiver Parris Campbell.

Unnamed NFL executives and at least one salary-cap expert are among members of the football community who blasted the Giants for giving Jones a contract they seemingly could move on from as soon as after the 2024 season. If, however, Barber is correct, that deal could become a steal for Big Blue by next winter.