Giants GM Joe Schoen Wishes Contract With Daniel Jones Was ‘Little Closer’

Oct 23, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants and potential free agent quarterback Daniel Jones have talked frequently about a new contract, but it doesn't seem like an extension is close.

"You’re starting to feel the time crunch a little bit," GM Joe Schoen said Thursday on NFL Network. “I wish we were a little bit closer on a deal than what we are right now. But again, there’s still time.”

Schoen met with Jones' agents at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and they will meet again on Thursday. Schoen said Jones was at the Giants' facility on Monday.

"Things ramped up pretty quick with his new group, and we've had productive talks throughout this week," Schoen said. "... We'll continue to talk and see if we can get something done before Tuesday."

Jones reportedly wants a $45 million-per-year extension, and he changed agents from Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to Athletes First, hoping the new group could get him the big payday he wants. The Giants have been steadfast in their desire to bring back Jones next season.

Schoen said at his news conference on Tuesday the Giants don't want to use the franchise tag on Jones. Schoen believes tagging Jones would complicate things from a team building and cap perspective.

The team also has to factor in running back Saquon Barkley, who is headed for free agency. The deadline to use the tag is March 7, and the team can only use one.

Jones’ franchise tag number would be $32.4 million, while Barkley's would pay him $10.1 million in 2023. The Giants are in this dilemma after they decided not to pick up Jones' fifth-year option in 2021, which would've paid him just $22.4 million in 2023.

Jones wants to capitalize after coming off a career-best season, his first under new coach Brian Daboll. Jones finished with 3,205 yards passing and a career-low five interceptions. He also finished with 22 total touchdowns, seven coming on the ground.

The quarterback's consistent play helped propel the Giants to their first winning record (9-7-1) and first playoff berth since 2016. He then had arguably his best performance of the season in a wild-card game against the Minnesota Vikings. Jones threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns, netting New York its first playoff win since 2011.