The New York Giants decided to part ways with superstar running back Saquon Barkley this offseason, allowing him to ultimately sign with the Philadelphia Eagles instead. And it sounds like a big reason why the team decided to allow Barkley to sign elsewhere is because the team signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a new contract recently.
The New York Giants signed Daniel Jones to a four-year contract extension before the start of the 2023 season that pays him an average of $40 million a season. During a personnel meeting featured in a recent episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks, New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen revealed that this contract was a big reason why the team decided not to pay what it took to keep Saquon Barkley in New York.
“You’re paying the guy $40 million. It’s not to hand the ball off to a $12 million back,” Schoen said according to Pro Football Talk.
Schoen also acknowledged that this is very much a season where Jones needs to prove himself. Otherwise, the team will be looking for other quarterbacks.
“This is the year for Daniel,” Schoen said. “The plan all along was to give him a couple years. Is he our guy for the next 10 years? Or do we need to pivot and go find someone else?”
Clearly, the Giants are giving him a chance to prove he can be their franchise quarterback.
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