NFC executive shares bold prediction about Giants' Daniel Jones

At least one unnamed NFC executive understands why the New York Giants paid quarterback Daniel Jones in a big way this past March. 

"I laugh every time I hear someone questioning the Giants for giving him that $160M (contract)," the anonymous executive said about Jones while speaking with NFC East reporter Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports. "When you've got a quarterback like that, you don't let him walk. And this guy has all the tools. There are only a handful of guys in this league who can both run and throw like that."

According to ESPN stats, Jones finished the 2022 regular season tied for sixth among eligible signal-callers with a 60.8 adjusted QBR and fifth among quarterbacks with 708 rushing yards. While the 26-year-old only accumulated 15 passing touchdowns and seven scores on the ground across 16 regular-season games, StatMuse shows that Jones led the league with an interception percentage of 1.1% while playing without a proven WR1. 

It was first learned on March 7 that the Giants were retaining Jones via a four-year deal that could be worth up to $160M and that includes an additional $35M in incentives. One unnamed NFL executive and salary-cap expert Jason Fitzgerald were among those who later criticized Giants general manager Joe Schoen regarding Jones' contract, but The Athletic noted as recently as Tuesday that the agreement contains an "escape hatch" that could allow Big Blue to move on from the 2019 first-round draft pick as soon as after the 2024 campaign. 

"And I keep coming back to this: Look at what he did with nobody around him," the executive added about Jones during the chat with Vacchiano. "I mean nobody. He had no help and he carried that team to the playoffs. He's got better weapons this year. Not great, but better. If they can protect him, he's going to be a top-10 (quarterback). Just watch." 

Giants legend Tiki Barber raised eyebrows back in June when he said during his WFAN program that Jones is "definitely" a top-10 NFL quarterback. Fans may not agree, but it seems Barber isn't the only noteworthy member of the football community who is a big believer in "Danny Dimes" this summer.