The New York Giants have struggled mightily in their quest to find long-term stability at quarterback — and their investment in Daniel Jones has proven to be one of the franchise’s most regrettable missteps.
In 2022, the Giants declined Jones’ fifth-year option, essentially challenging him to earn a new deal. He rose to the occasion by leading New York to a surprise playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings, a moment that skyrocketed his value overnight and backed the Giants into a corner.
The result? A massive four-year, $160 million contract — a deal the front office now deeply regrets.
Jones’ agent, A.J. Stevens of Athletes First, recently described the negotiation process as “absurd” on the NFL Spotlight with Ari Meirov podcast, even calling it one of the wildest, most memorable deals of his career — finalized just before the deadline like a “buzzer-beater.”
Unfortunately for New York, Jones never lived up to the contract. After a rough start to 2023, he suffered a torn ACL and finished the season with underwhelming numbers: 2,007 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He didn’t make it to year three of the deal.
By 2024, the Giants had cut ties, swallowing a painful dead cap hit. Jones signed a one-year, $14 million prove-it deal with the Indianapolis Colts, hoping to revive his career.
Meanwhile, general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll turned the page. They signed veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston as short-term options and drafted Jaxson Dart with the 25th pick, signaling a new direction.
This time, they’re taking a more measured approach — a clear reflection of the costly lesson learned from betting big on a quarterback too soon.
Sometimes in the NFL, one wrong move is all it takes — and for the Giants, the burn from that $160 million gamble still lingers.
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