By all accounts, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has had an uninspiring start to training camp.
Jones is looking to bounce back from a torn ACL suffered in Week 9 of the 2023 season and prove that he is capable of becoming a franchise quarterback during the 2024 campaign and beyond.
This season could prove pivotal to Jones’ future in New York, after the Giants signed the former No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft a four-year deal worth $160 million last offseason, a move that owner John Mara still stands behind.
“Listen, I’m still happy we gave him that contract,” Mara told reporters at an event celebrating the Giants’ upcoming 100th anniversary season. “Because I thought he played really well in ’22. Last year he got hurt. Let’s be honest, when he was playing, we weren’t blocking anyone.
“Let’s give him a chance, with a better offensive line and some weapons around him and see what he can do.”
Despite the fact that Saquon Barkley is now a Philadelphia Eagle, the Giants made an effort to build around Jones this offseason by selecting dynamic wide receiver Malik Nabers with the No. 6 overall pick, out of LSU, and adding Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor via free agency along the offensive line.
John Mara Opens Up About New York Giants’ Decision Not to Select a QB
Prior to the draft, it was still an open question whether Jones would be the Giants’ Week 1 starter this season.
However, Mara expressed apprehension about trading up into the top four selections to take one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s class.
“I was nervous about giving up too much to go and get a quarterback. I was prepared to let them do that, if that’s what they wanted to do. We made a decision to stay with Daniel and add a weapon for him, I think that’s going to work out.”
Now with Nabers, along with rising young receivers Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson, the upcoming campaign may prove to be a make-or-break season for Jones to show he’s capable of leading the Giants to the postseason or even a playoff run in the future.
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