News that Daniel Jones was switching his agent raised a few eyebrows on Sunday and now it seems as if we have a better picture as to why.
The 25-year-old quarterback is looking to land a massive contract, possibly as much as $45 million per year, or more, according to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio.
LISTEN TO TIKI & TIERNEY DISCUSS DANIEL JONES
A contract that size would make Jones a top-five paid quarterback in the league, putting him at the same annual average as Patrick Mahomes.
Florio noted that the Giants will likely move toward placing Jones on the franchise tag, which teams can begin doing on Wednesday and have until March 7 to decide on which player, if any, they want to tag.
Placing Jones on the franchise tag would give them until July 15 to negotiate a new deal or he plays on a one-year $32.416 million contract. A non-exclusive tag would allow Jones to negotiate with other teams, but they would have to give the Giants two first-round picks as compensation, which seems unlikely.
Jones is coming off a career season after the Giants declined to pick up his fifth-year option. He tossed 15 touchdowns and threw for career-best 3,205 yards with just five interceptions. He also had a career-high 708 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns as the new Giants regime allowed him to utilize his mobility and athleticism more.
Placing Jones on the franchise tag could have a ripple effect on how the rest of their offseason plays out. Star running back Saquon Barkley is also a free agent and if Jones is tagged, the Giants will either have to commit to an extension for the 26-year-old running back or let him walk, each of which comes with its own risks.
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