Insider: Giants' Daniel Jones has bigger contract demand than thought

There's more information about why New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen recently sounded pessimistic about possibly signing quarterback Daniel Jones to a long-term contract. 

Giants insider Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports that "league sources" say "Jones' representatives are asking for more than $45 million per year on a multi-year contract extension." 

Multiple individuals previously said that Jones' camp was looking for a deal worth around $45M per campaign after he switched agents and went from CAA to Athletes First this offseason. 

Schoen raised eyebrows when he admitted on Thursday he was "starting to feel the time crunch a little bit" regarding negotiations with Jones. 

The deadline for teams to use their franchise tags is this coming Tuesday, and the negotiating window for free agency opens on March 13. The new league year kicks off on March 15. 

People at the NFL combine reportedly told Leonard they "want to see more" from Jones before they commit a massive amount of money and salary cap space to the 2019 first-round draft pick after he produced his best season, to date, playing under first-year head coach Brian Daboll.

"The majority of evaluators think Jones is a slightly above average to good player who is not in the top tier of his position," Leonard wrote. "There are serious questions about what kind of market exists for Jones' services outside of New York." 

NFC East insider Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports tweeted on Wednesday that a "sweet spot" for a Jones contract could be closer to $37M per year with two years guaranteed and essentially an option that could allow the 25-year-old to reach free agency after the 2024 season. To compare, using the franchise tag on Jones for 2023 would cost the Giants approximately $32.416M in salary cap and cash. 

Interestingly, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio noted the Giants could tag Jones again next year at a price worth roughly $38.89M. In short, Schoen could potentially save money in the long run by not signing Jones before Tuesday. 

Perhaps the biggest Giants talking point other than Jones' future to emerge from the combine is that star running back Saquon Barkley will likely hit free agency unless he either accepts a contract worth around $12.5M per year or Big Blue signs Jones and then uses a tag on Barkley. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday the Giants will utilize the $10.1M franchise tag on Barkley if they come to an agreement with Jones: