Giants’ polarizing quarterback listed a top bounce-back candidate for 2024

In a recent article listing the top bounce-back candidates in the NFL for the upcoming 2024 season, PFF’s Bradley Locker included Jones as one of the top candidates:

“There might not be a more polarizing player in the league than Jones and his four-year, $160 million contract,” Locker wrote. “Suffering a neck injury and an ACL tear before Week 9 last year didn’t help his case.

“Jones’ 63.0 overall grade in 2023 was the lowest in his NFL tenure, and he was very hot or cold throughout the season. His games at Arizona and Miami were outstanding, but he struggled mightily against Las Vegas, Dallas, and Seattle. Nonetheless, Jones was still a strong runner all around, putting forth a second straight year with a running grade of 82.2 or better.”

Jones wound up making six starts last year while dealing with a neck injury at the beginning of the season before having his year cut short due to an ACL tear in Week 9. In those six starts, Jones went 1-5, throwing for only 909 yards and two touchdowns with six interceptions. His performances were inconsistent and subpar, but there are reasons to believe the Giants’ quarterback will bounce back in 2024.

The Giants upgraded the talent around Jones this offseason

The Giants worked hard to upgrade the talent surrounding Jones in the offensive lineup this offseason. They added a pair of solid offensive linemen to the mix, signing veteran guard Jon Runyan Jr. and veteran tackle/guard Jermaine Eluemunor. Both linemen will serve as improvements over what the team had last season.

Additionally, as Locker pointed out, life will be easier for Jones thanks to the addition of No. 6 overall draft pick Malik Nabers. The rookie wide receiver should transform the Giants’ offense and could be the primary reason why Jones turns his career around this season.

“The former No. 6 overall might not be a world-beater this year, but expect more consistency than he exhibited a year ago,” Locker continued. “If nothing else, his 4.1% turnover-worthy play rate will probably look more like it did from 2020-22. Adding Malik Nabers to the fray is a reason to project upward trends.”

The Giants lost star running back Saquon Barkley in free agency this offseason, but adding an elite receiving threat like Nabers should make up for it. Jones has all the tools at his disposal for a bounce-back campaign. Now he needs to put it together and prove that he can still be the Giants’ franchise quarterback long-term.