New York Giants QB Jones Could Fetch $35+ Million/Year on New Deal

The New York Giants see their young quarterback Daniel Jones as part of their future, but evidently not as their franchise savior. SNY's Connor Hughes expects the Giants to offer the free agent quarterback somewhere between $35 and $37 million per year on his upcoming contract.

What’s the latest with the #Giants & Daniel Jones, plus where do the #Jets stand with Aaron Rodgers? pic.twitter.com/2MSJ5HMdMG
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) February 7, 2023

Hughes suggests there's no way the Giants would go as high as $40 million per year for Jones, but the team may not have much choice. Nine quarterbacks have already exceeded the mark, and more are likely coming this offseason. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert are all eligible for extensions and should comfortably exceed the mark whenever they sign. Seattle Seahawks free agent quarterback Geno Smith could also flirt with the number.

Unless the Giants intend to argue Daniel Jones is a below-average starting quarterback, $40 million per year is simply the going rate for a competent starter. If they balk at the number and believe Jones isn't worth it, perhaps the franchise tag is in order. Or, they can rip the bandaid off now and try to find an upgrade. The Giants have never finished better than 15th in points scored with Jones as their leading passer.