Daniel Jones knows his way around tough conversations with Joe Schoen. They had one two years ago, as Schoen’s first big decision as general manager of the Giants was to inform Jones that the team would not be picking up his fifth-year option. Essentially, this turned the 2022 season into a make-or-break scenario, with Jones needing to stay healthy and play well or else the new regime of Schoen and coach Brian Daboll would go quarterback shopping.
They had one this offseason, when Schoen wanted to be straight with Jones, telling him one evening the Giants were going to be diligent about exploring the quarterback market leading into the NFL draft . Jones was in the building almost every day, rehabbing his right knee, and Schoen did not want Jones to see top prospects Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye in the hallways and wonder what the heck was going on. Two years ago, Jones was not happy about having to play out his rookie contract.
He responded by starting 16 games for the first time in his career, throwing only five interceptions and amassing 301 passing yards and two passing touchdowns in the first playoff victory for the franchise in 11 years. The next conversation Jones had with Schoen, after some intense negotiations, was a pleasant one after the team awarded the still-young quarterback with a four-year deal worth $160 million. That money could buy Jones expensive luxuries but bought him only two seasons, as far as job security.
The Giants, concerned about Jones’ injury .