Giants pick up option on Dexter Lawrence, not Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Giants pick up fifth-year option on DL Dexter Lawrence, not QB Daniel Jones

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 4/28/22

The New York Giants made a pair of decisions on Thursday regarding two of their 2019 draft selections. With one, they have officially elected to extend their relationship for at least two more seasons but for the other, his future could reportedly hang in the balance and depend on how he performs in 2022.

We have picked up the fifth-year option on DL Dexter Lawrence

: https://t.co/BfJZ44F36R pic.twitter.com/13QjMtlDp9
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 28, 2022

The Giants have not exercised Daniel Jones 5th year option, per source
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) April 28, 2022

Just because "Danny Dimes" wasn't granted the fifth-year option on Thursday doesn't necessarily mean that his Giants career will be over after the upcoming season, according to multiple reports.

Daniel Jones is still the Giants QB and remember they have the franchise tag to keep him if he thrives under the new regime. There is so much confidence in this organization in Brian Daboll’s ability to get the most out of his players.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) April 28, 2022

Daniel Jones has to prove to the Giants and everyone that he can thrive as a franchise QB. Until he does, he wasn't getting guaranteed $22.39M.

If he does light it up this year (they hope he does) they happily will use the franchise tag at approximately $30M if necessary.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 28, 2022

It was reported on Wednesday that the "G-Men" could not only be making their decision on Jones' fifth-year option before next Monday's deadline for 2019 first-round draft selections, but also prior to the commencement of Thursday night's NFL Draft. Injuries and inconsistent play have resulted in the former sixth overall pick being limited to 38 games (37 starts) over his first three seasons, during which he's gone 12-25.

While he's shown glimpses of high-caliber play and upside rushing ability, the former Duke Blue Devil has been prone to turnovers, as evidenced by his 29 interceptions and 20 lost fumbles. Jones is also coming off of a 2021 campaign where he played a career-low 11 games due to a neck injury.

Lawrence meanwhile, has been durable, and a force on the New York defense since being chosen 17th overall three years ago, racking up 145 tackles, 30 quarterback hits, 9.0 sacks and five passes defended in 48 career contests. The Clemson product ended the 2021 campaign with a career-high 54 tackles and 11 quarterback hits, while adding 2.5 sacks as well.

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