Daniel Jones: Giants’ $11.83M Gamble?

The New York Giants find themselves in a precarious financial and strategic position following the announcement of quarterback Daniel Jones’ impending release. Though initially slated for Friday, the decision was deferred until Saturday, a seemingly small adjustment that could result in significant financial savings of $11.83 million.

Potential Injury Could Shift Financial Obligations

If a starting quarterback on a competitive team were to suffer a serious injury today, it’s possible that team could claim Daniel Jones off waivers. This would shift the financial burden of his contract from the Giants to the claiming team, potentially saving the Giants millions.

Teams considering such a move would need to evaluate whether they can bypass their current backup and take on Jones’ remaining contract, including his $23 million injury guarantee for 2025. If claimed, the Giants would no longer owe Jones any further compensation.

A History of Mid-Season Desperation

Though the likelihood of this scenario is slim, recent history offers precedent. For instance, the Minnesota Vikingsfaced a similar dilemma last year when Kirk Cousins tore his Achilles just two days before the trade deadline. In their pursuit of a viable replacement, they acquired Josh Dobbs to salvage their playoff aspirations.

A similar scenario involving a quarterback injury on another team could prompt a franchise to claim Jones, hoping to bolster their playoff chances.

Why Teams Might Be Interested in Jones

For teams with playoff hopes, Jones represents an experienced quarterback who could thrive behind a more competent offensive line. During his tenure with the Giants, Jones faced challenges, including injuries and inadequate protection. A desperate team might see Jones as a short-term solution to elevate their offense.

Giants’ Financial Strategy Moving Forward

If no team claims Jones off waivers, the Giants will owe him the remainder of his 2024 salary, along with the injury guarantee for 2025. By waiting an extra day before releasing Jones, the Giants have created a narrow window in which an unforeseen injury to another team’s starter could eliminate their financial obligations entirely.

What’s Next for Daniel Jones?

Should Jones clear waivers, he will become a free agent, giving him the opportunity to find a new team willing to invest in his talents. However, for the Giants, this is a critical moment to reduce financial strain while continuing to rebuild their team dynamics.

Conclusion

The Giants’ delay in releasing Daniel Jones underscores the delicate balance between strategy and financial prudence. While the chances of another team claiming Jones are slim, the possibility offers the Giants a glimmer of hope to save $11.83 million and reallocate resources for their future success.