In one of the more laughable moments to come out of the NFL this week word came down that New York Giants Quarterback Daniel Jones is seeking $45 million a year or more, according to his representatives. Daniel Jones, who went from misery inducing laughing stock when he was drafted 6th in the NFL Draft back in 2019 to becoming a feel good folk hero for driving the New York Giants to their first playoff win in over a decade back in January is seeking a payday that puts him at the same level at recent Super Bowl MVP (and immediate HOFer if he retired tomorrow) Patrick Mahomes. Daniel Jones, who many only remember tripped and fell on national TV running for the end zone in an eventual meltdown loss against the Eagles, who admittedly did put up better numbers last year than he had the previous 3, wants that kind of money.
Screenshot taken from – https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JoneDa05.htm
So would I. So would anyone. But when it comes to the world of sports, to command that kind of money is pure outworldly. I’m going screenshot happy with this article, but below is the top 9 QB salaries for 2023:
Screenshot Taken From – https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/rankings/2023/quarterback/average/
Of that list, only Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen can reach the Super Bowl at this point. Last year showed that Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson have sadly lost a step in their Hall of Fame sunset years, and Kyler Murray and Deshaun Watson are pulling in that money despite not only having 1 career playoff win between them (Watson with Houston in 2019). Some could argue that Dak and the Cowboys could, but the Boys have broken their fan’s hearts and never even reaching the NFC Championship every year since their Super Bowl win in 1995.
The Giants have to make a decision, and make it soon. Big Blue could apply a franchise tag and lock in Jones this year for said 45 mil, or a non-exclusive tag of $32.4 million, but Jones would be free to negotiate a deal with another team and leave the franchise tag and the Giants behind. Even so, the club only has until March 7 to do so which opens up the question of what happens with Saquon Barkley who had a career rebound last year as well. And if the club opts to tag Jones, do they still go after a QB in the draft next month? The Giants don’t draft until 26th, but could make some moves to move up and take a run at an Anthony Richardson, knowing former Pro Bowler and oft-injured backup QB Tyrod Taylor is under contract next year. The options are endless. I like Jones, and he turned me from a hater to someone who admitted I was wrong about the guy. But 45 million a year? No way. 25 I’d consider though. You?
About the author – Scott Churchson has been an actor in every way for the past 13 years, from BG to stand in to stunts and principal, a sports writer for the past 4 and is one of the people that created Stream Punk Entertainment. He’s married to a veterinarian, has a cat with three working legs and is just a simple man trying to make his way in the universe.