NFL Rumors: Insider debunks claims regarding Daniel Jones' contract extension
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and his contract status with the organization has made for fascinating viewing over the last fortnight. There have been several reports floating around that the quarterback is seeking around $40-45 million a season.
It's an Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes-type pay rate. It is well known that Jones isn't at their level yet (though he may be in the future). Therefore, that salary is likely not on the table for Jones from the Giants.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was a guest on the "Pat McAfee Show" as the league gets set for the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Rapaport stated that while Jones might be asking for a yearly salary in the $40 million range, he expects the number to be smaller than that.
Rapoport said:
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the number came in and it started with a four, the market for a quarterback is 40 (million a year) or other. In negotiations, everyone asks for more, teams offer less and then you settle in the middle. So him asking for 45 like I don’t know for sure that that demand or request was made in negotiations, but if it was, that would be fine, but I would expect that number to come in less than that regardless.”
"I would expect the Daniel Jones deal to come in at less than what has been reported"
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Could Daniel Jones fetch $40 million a year?
Daniel Jones is within his rights to ask for a salary of $40 million, but the likelihood that he will get that is not high according to many. However, that is the going rate for quarterbacks. The question is, if the Giants aren't willing to pay that to Daniel Jones, would another team?
Franchises needing a quarterback include the Las Vegas Raiders, Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, and possibly Carolina and New Orleans. Would any of them be willing to stump up $40 million a year for Jones?
Potentially.
Under head coach Brian Daboll, Daniel Jones has had one of his best seasons since entering the NFL. He had career highs in season wins (nine), passing yards (3,205), completion percentage (67.2%) and quarterback rating (92.5).
He also threw the least number of interceptions since being drafted, as well as throwing his second-highest touchdown total for the season (15). There is something to work with, but is that $40 million worthy?
It is up to other NFL teams to decide.