Big changes ahead for struggling New York Giants

The New York Giants' season has been nothing short of disastrous, and the spotlight has firmly been fixed on quarterback Daniel Jones. Once heralded as the franchise savior, Jones' tenure with the team has been marred by inconsistent play, injuries, and a lack of progress in key moments.

After a season that saw the Giants fall to a dismal 2-8 record, whispers about the team's future plans began swirling. Head coach Brian Daboll has been tight-lipped on whether Jones or Drew Lock will start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, but the decision may be a mere formality in the grand scheme of things. Behind closed doors, it appears the Giants are preparing to move on from the "Danny Dimes" experiment.

The end of the road in New York

According to a report from The Athletic, the Giants are expected to release Jones after the 2024 season. The writing has been on the wall for weeks, but this development solidifies what many suspected: the Giants' front office is ready to hit the reset button at the quarterback position.

The report also highlights a missed opportunity during the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite eyeing top QB prospects such as Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix, New York opted to draft wide receiver Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick, a move that now looks increasingly questionable. Duggan of The Athletic explains, "The Giants were unable to move up to secure a top QB and decided to wait another year. Now, with a 2-8 record, they are poised to land a top-three pick in 2025 and will almost certainly target a quarterback."

A fall from grace

Jones' career trajectory with the Giants has been a rollercoaster. After leading the team to a playoff victory over the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 and earning a four-year, $160 million extension, the expectation was that Jones would finally solidify himself as the franchise quarterback. However, injuries and inconsistent performances derailed those hopes.

Last season, Jones played just six games before suffering a season-ending ACL tear. This year, his struggles have continued, with a 63.3% completion rate, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 10 games. The turnover issues that plagued him early in his career remain, leaving fans and analysts wondering why the Giants didn't address the position sooner.

Fortunately for the Giants, Jones' contract was structured to allow an exit without significant financial penalties after the 2024 season. Unlike the New Orleans Saints with Derek Carr or the Cleveland Browns with Deshaun Watson, New York isn't saddled with an albatross contract. This financial flexibility gives the team a rare opportunity to pivot quickly and rebuild around a young quarterback.

Jones' tenure with the Giants serves as a reminder of the perils of overcommitting to a quarterback based on limited success. While his 2022 campaign was irable, it didn't erase the inconsistencies of his previous three seasons. The Giants' faith in Jones led them to on several opportunities to draft his replacement, prolonging a cycle of mediocrity.

What's next for Jones?

While his time in New York appears to be coming to an end, Jones' NFL career may not be over. Analysts believe he could find new life in a different system, much like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield have in recent years. A fresh start with a team that can tailor its offense to his strengths might unlock the potential that once made him a top-10 draft pick.

For the Giants, the focus now shifts to the future. With a high draft pick likely on the horizon, the organization has an opportunity to reshape its identity. Whether it's Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or another rising prospect, the next quarterback will inherit a team eager for redemption and a fanbase desperate for a winner.

As the "Danny Dimes" era draws to a close, the Giants are poised to turn the page, leaving fans to wonder what might have been if the franchise had made different decisions along the way.