The New York Giants locked into a four-year, $160 million contract with Daniel Jones in March that was truly a two-year commitment through the 2024 season.
After Jones's ACL injury last week, that remains unchanged. But the Giants, currently sitting with the No. 2 pick in next year's draft, thanks to Sunday's 49-17 blowout loss to the Cowboys, have done plenty of homework on the 2024 quarterback draft class, and sources believe New York won't hesitate in choosing a new quarterback if the right one presents himself come April.
Jones didn't go into detail about the nature of his injury beyond the ACL tear, but the early belief among sources is that it's a straightforward ACL injury. The typical timeline on a return from that is about nine months, and surgery has not yet been scheduled.
That means the Giants will at least have a different (or new) quarterback taking first-team reps in OTAs and minicamp — and possibly into training camp. Could it be a rookie?
General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are widely considered by sources inside and outside the building to be safe. They'll be able to make the call on the future of the organization this offseason.
Jones has suffered multiple neck injuries dating to 2021 before Sunday's ACL tear, raising concerns about his long-term health. The Giants are contractually linked to Jones in 2024 with his fully guaranteed $35 million salary, and his injury makes it impossible for the Giants to trade him next year if they wanted to.
Injury history would also preclude the Giants from restructuring his contract to include void years, too. So Jones' current contract situation in 2024 would likely remain next season.
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The Bears own the No. 1 pick in the draft through Week 10 by virtue of their springtime trade with the Panthers. The Cardinals currently have the third pick as Kyler Murray returned this weekend for a consequential second half of the year.
The Giants, sitting in the second slot, started Tommy DeVito on Sunday against the Cowboys. It's unclear when Tyrod Taylor (ribs) will be able to return from injured reserve, but it's DeVito's show until then.
Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams is considered to be the top prospect in next year's draft. If the Giants — or anyone — wants him, they'll have to get through Chicago (via Carolina) in order to acquire him. North Carolina's Drake Maye is considered the No. 2 quarterback prospect in the draft, with Washington's Michael Penix Jr. up there as well.
In 2018, the Giants drafted Jones with the sixth overall pick as Eli Manning remained under contract. The organization has recently carried two starting-caliber quarterbacks, and it would be able to do it again in 2024.
