The New York Giants inked Daniel Jones to a four-year, $160 million contract in 2023, a deal that looks precarious after the quarterback played just six uneven games last season before tearing his ACL.
Despite the questions surrounding Jones entering a pivotal 2024 campaign, Big Blue co-owner John Mara said Thursday that he doesn't regret extending the quarterback's contract.
"I'm still happy we gave (Jones) that contract because I thought he played really well for us in '22," Mara said, via the team's official website. "Last year, he got hurt and let's be honest, when he was playing, we weren't blocking anybody. So, let's give him a chance with a better offensive line with some weapons around him to see what he can do."
Mara is correct that last year's blocking was some of the worst in the NFL, and the Giants didn't have enough playmakers. However, Jones exacerbated the issues with questionable reads, poor throws and erratic play. He wasn't a "raise all boats" player you want from a $40 million-per-year quarterback.
The Giants looked into potentially trading up in the 2024 NFL Draft, eyeing a rookie replacement. Instead, general manager Joe Schoen drafted dynamic receiver Malik Nabers at No. 6 overall.
"I was nervous about giving up too much to go and get a quarterback, but I was prepared to let (Schoen) do that if that's what they wanted to do," Mara said. "We made a decision to stay with Daniel and get a weapon for him, and I think that's going to work out."
Jones' play could directly affect the future of Schoen and coach Brian Daboll. If he crashes and burns, Big Blue could decide another wholesale change is needed. If Mara believes the 2022 season earned Danny Dimes a longer leash, perhaps the brass might get the same benefit.
"It's hard to articulate my expectations," Mara said. "I obviously want to show significant improvement over last year. But I'm not going to make any specific guarantees or demands or anything like that. But they know what I want to see."
Despite that, the owner does have expectations after a 6-11 campaign.
"I expect us to take a big step forward," Mara said.
That big step won't happen unless the QB makes a significant stride himself.