The New York Giants have said they want to bring back quarterback Daniel Jones this offseason, but Jones’ price just keeps getting higher.
Jones recently changed agents from Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to Athletes First and wants a new contract that could pay him $45 million or more, NBC Sports reported on Monday. When players change representation, they usually have to wait five days before signing with a new agency, but CAA reportedly waived Jones’ waiting period allowing him to immediately sign and continue negotiations with the Giants.
This came just one day before the window for teams to apply the franchise tag to players opens. Jones’ franchise tag number would be $32.4 million, which is much less than his supposedly desired $45 million.
The Giants are in this situation because they decided not to pick up Jones’ fifth-year option from his rookie deal before the start of the 2022 season. That option would’ve paid Jones $22.4 million in 2023, giving the Giants more flexibility while keeping Jones in the building.
Although $45 million seems like a lot for Jones, he is coming off his best NFL season. Jones finished with a career-high 3,205 yards passing and a career-low of just five interceptions under new coach Brian Daboll. He added 22 total touchdowns — 15 passing and seven rushing.
Jones’ strong play this season helped the Giants finish 9-7-1, earning them their first playoff berth and winning record since the 2016 season. The former sixth-overall pick also helped New York claim its first playoff win since 2011 by throwing for 301 yards and two touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card round.
Jones isn’t the only high-profile player New York would like to bring back this offseason. Running back Saquon Barkley is also a free agent coming off a strong season. Barkley finished with a career-high 1,312 rushing yards this past season and made the Pro Bowl.
Previous reports indicated the Giants preferred to work out a long-term deal with Jones and use the franchise tag — just more than $10 million for a RB — on Barkley. However, if Jones is truly demanding close to $45 million per year, the Giants could change course.
