The first two seasons under head coach Brian Daboll were a rollercoaster for both quarterback Daniel Jones and the New York Giants.
The Unexpected Success and Subsequent Regression
In Year 1, Jones and the Giants exceeded all expectations. However, Year 2 was a different story. Both the quarterback and the team took a significant step back, with Jones suffering a major knee injury after just six games in 2023. This setback fueled speculation that the Giants might draft Jones' replacement in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. Instead, they chose wide receiver Malik Nabers to give Jones another target.
Injury and Backup Plans
Despite his knee injury, Daniel Jones is expected to be ready to start Week 1 of the 2024 season. The Giants signed Drew Lock to back him up, adding a bit more experience than Tommy DeVito. Although the team insists Lock is only a backup, between him and DeVito, they have viable alternatives if Jones struggles.
The Bench-Warmer Buzz
The Sporting News even named Jones a top candidate to be benched in 2024, despite the added weapons and coaching support. The Giants have made it clear that they won't hesitate to move away from Jones if he continues to struggle. They didn't draft a new quarterback in the first round, but their actions suggested they might consider it.
Changes and Challenges
Jones no longer has his safety net in Saquon Barkley. However, the Giants are banking on an improved offensive line, thanks to free agent signings, and a bolstered receiving corps, given their recent draft picks. There's hope that these changes will help Jones return to his 2022 form and lead the team to a much-needed bounce-back season.
Cap Implications and Future Outlook
With Drew Lock as his backup and an injury clause in Jones' contract that could impact future cap implications, the possibility of Jones being benched isn't far-fetched. The Giants' obvious preference is for Jones to return to the player he was in 2022 and guide the team to success.
Exciting times lie ahead for the Giants as they navigate these changes and challenges. Will Jones reclaim his groove and lead the team to victory? Only time will tell!
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