New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has been a lightning rod for criticism ever since signing a four-year, $160 million contract extension with the club last offseason.
The Giants were lambasted as soon as they gave Jones the deal, and now that some early returns are in, Jones is being criticized even further.
In Jones’ defense, New York has not had a No. 1 receiver since he stepped in the NFL in 2019. The good news is that the Giants may finally have one now, as they selected LSU standout Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick of the NFL Draft last month.
However, former Big Blue wide out Plaxico Burress isn’t sure Nabers will be able to flourish with Jones throwing him the football.
Does Burress have a point?
Breaking Down Daniel Jones’ Giants Career Thus Far
New York selected Jones with the sixth overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. He showed some promise early on, but he was clearly very raw.
Jones threw for 3,027 yards, 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 13 games and 12 starts during his rookie campaign, completing 61.9 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 87.7.
The following year, Jones regressed, finishing with 2,943 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 picks in 14 starts. He didn’t look much better in 11 games in 2021, totaling 2,428 yards, 10 touchdowns sand seven interceptions.
Finally, in 2022, Jones appeared to be on the verge of breaking out, registering 3,205 yards, 15 touchdowns and just five picks while completing 67.2 percent of his throws and recording a 92.5 passer rating. In addition, he racked up 708 yards and seven scores as a rusher.
Most importantly, Jones led the Giants to just their second playoff appearance since 2013 and even guided them to an upset win over the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round.
That led to New York handing him that lucrative deal that ensuing offseason, but in Jones’ first year of the deal, he made just six starts before tearing his ACL. During his time on the field, he tallied two passing touchdowns and six interceptions in a miserable campaign.
Jones has three years left on his current deal, but only 2024 is guaranteed.
The 27-year-old has been hampered by injuries throughout his career, and he also has had very limited weapons. Jones has never had a legitimate No. 1 receiver, which has certainly played a role in his struggles.
But those excuses have to end soon, especially now that Nabers is in tow.
