“Heck no” - NFL analyst scoffs at Daniel Jones’ asking price to remain with Giants

Daniel Jones was a late bloomer. Heading into 2022, the Giants had declined the quarterback's fifth-year option and appeared to see the 2022 season as a lame-duck year. Instead, immediately after the quarterback finally took the team to the playoffs for the first time in his career, he is reportedly asking for $45 million per season.

Writing for CBS Sports, NFL analyst Cody Benjamin proclaimed that the quarterback's asking price isn't too off the nose from a numbers standpoint. However, the move would be a mistake for the Giants nonetheless. Here's how he put it:

Will Daniel Jones be making at least $40 million in 2023?

"$45 million per year for Daniel Jones wouldn't even be record-breaking. It would tie him for the fifth-highest-paid player in terms of average annual value. It's also the same amount Patrick Mahomes gets paid."

He continued, explaining why New York should swipe left on the deal at that price:

"Does this all mean the Giants should hand Daniel Jones a deal worth $45 million per year? Heck no. The list of record-breaking QB deals above speaks to that. I'm sure if their teams could go back and do it again, they would never have made Flacco, Carr, Stafford, Garoppolo, Wentz and Goff the highest-paid players in NFL history."

New York Giants QB Daniel Jones flashes at midnight

No. 8 at New York Giants v Washington Commanders

Speaking historically, if a quarterback doesn't pop up during his first two years, he's likely not a starting material. Once in a while, the quarterback in his third season will finally put it together. However, in finally popping in his fourth year, the quarterback picked a hell of a time to bring success to his team.

The Giants quarterback had not won more than five games in a season before 2022. That season, he threw for 11 touchdowns and ten interceptions. However, as soon as his fifth-year option was declined, the quarterback went 9-6-1 and won a playoff game. As soon as the season ended, the Giants found themselves in a tough position.

Will they negotiate with the quarterback or drop a franchise tag on him for 2023? With Saquon Barkley also up on his deal, the team has a tough decision to make.