New York Giants owner John Mara remains firmly behind Daniel Jones, one injury-plagued season removed from the quarterback signing a four-year, $160 million contract.
Jones was sacked 30 times over six games in 2023 before he tore his ACL in the Giants’ 30-6 setback to the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 5.
“I’m still happy we gave (Jones) that contract because I thought he played really well for us in ‘22,” Mara said Thursday, via the team website. “Last year, he got hurt and let’s be honest, when he was playing, we weren’t blocking anybody. So, let’s give him a chance with a better offensive line with some weapons around him to see what he can do.”
The Giants opted to give Jones a dynamic receiving target by selecting Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.
“I was nervous about giving up too much to go and get a quarterback, but I was prepared to let (general manager Joe Schoen) do that if that’s what they wanted to do,” Mara said. “We made a decision to stay with Daniel and get a weapon for him, and I think that’s going to work out.”
Giants head coach Brian Daboll said Friday that he has been impressed with Jones’ progress as he bids to return from the ACL injury.
“You forget about it sometimes because he looks normal out there,” Daboll said. “But, for what he’s done eight months, or eight and a half months, whatever it may be, and to come back and take every rep. He feels good.
“I’ve talked to him about different things. Hey, ‘Scrambling, make sure you feel comfortable out of the pocket, make sure you feel comfortable moving up in the pocket. Making plays with your feet.’ He’s been right on track. It’s pretty impressive to me in terms of you have that injury, this is where he’s at, this is what he’s looked like physically. I’m proud of him.”
Jones, 27, finished with two touchdown passes and six interceptions in six games in 2023. He also missed three games with a neck injury.
Jones is 22-36-1 as a starter with 62 touchdown passes and 40 picks in 60 games (59 starts) since being selected by the Giants with the No. 6 overall pick in 2019 NFL Draft.
