Daniel Jones returns as the presumptive starter after the New York Giants didn’t draft a quarterback last month.
Like everyone else, Jones heard all the rumors about the franchise targeting a potential replacement in the opening round. The Giants instead used the No. 6 selection on wide receiver Malik Nabers.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, Jones conceded that he wasn’t thrilled about the Giants eyeing quarterbacks this offseason. However, he’s moving on to prepare for the 2024 season.
“I wasn’t fired up about it, but it’s part of it at this level,” Jones said, per SNY. “Like I said, what I can do is focus on myself and getting healthy, and playing the best football I can play and that I know I’m capable of playing. That’s my job, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
On the other hand, Jones is indeed “fired up” about the Giants drafting Nabers.
“I watched some of his tape in college, and he’s a dynamic player,” Jones said. “So I was fired up to see we got him, and it’s been fun getting to work with him.”
The Giants were linked to multiple quarterbacks throughout the draft cycle. They reportedly offered the New England Patriots the No. 6 pick and next year’s first-rounder for the No. 3 pick so they could take Drake Maye.
After the Patriots declined and picked Maye, the Giants pivoted rather than taking the next-highest quarterback on their draft board. That gives Jones an opening to bounce back from a forgettable season.
Starting his four-year contract signed last offseason, Jones backslid from a breakout 2022 with a 70.5 quarterback rating in six games before suffering an ACL tear. His future as New York’s franchise quarterback is once again in question.
Jones should at least be healthy to start a make-or-break year. He told reporters he has no doubts about being ready for Week 1.