As HBO documents the entire 2024 offseason involving the New York Giants in “Hard Knocks,” many viewers will wonder how committed the franchise is to quarterback Daniel Jones.
“Hard Knocks” will spotlight different characters throughout July, including the former No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Jones was once brought in as the heir apparent for franchise legend Eli Manning. Yet, Jones’ future in New York after this season remains in doubt.
Will the Giants Move On From Daniel Jones?
Jones was awarded a blockbuster four-year, $160 million deal to continue leading the Giants last offseason.
Since then, his career has prompted impatience among Giants fans. Jones has been marred by injuries, and he’s only taken NYG to the playoffs once in his six-year career.
Last season, Jones was limited to just six starts and went 1-5 overall. After tearing his ACL, Jones watched undrafted rookie and New Jersey native Tommy DeVito win the hearts of the Giants’ fanbase by going 3-3 as a starter.
MORE: Daniel Jones Injury Update: What Happened to the Giants QB Last Season?
Even before the emergence of DeVito, Jones had battled injuries throughout his career, and he has never surpassed the 24-touchdown pass mark. Jones’ record doesn’t exude confidence among his fanbase either, as he is 22-36 overall as a starter.
The Giants, though, first gave Jones the vote of confidence that he can lead the team by restructuring his deal ahead of 2023 to create more than $6 million in cap space. New York still finished 6-11 overall, including going 1-3 in its last four games.
Jones then witnessed his name plastered as a trade or release idea among analysts during the 2024 offseason. Neither a trade or cut happened in March for Jones. But Jones’ future was on shaky ground leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, as the Giants were rumored to be interested in trading up for Drake Maye or possibly drafting J.J. McCarthy.
Jones, though, still has a place inside the Giants’ locker room. But there are already members of the forthcoming 2025 class of QBs who have the look of galvanizing the franchise if they move on from Jones.
Three QBs the Giants Could Target in the 2025 NFL Draft
If Jones endures another truncated campaign due to an injury or if he loses his QB1 spot, it’ll be time to pivot to the draft if you’re general manager Joe Schoen and the Giants’ front office.
Here are three names with the potential to intrigue Giants fans before the ’25 draft.
Quinn Ewers, Texas
The Longhorns star has the potential to rise to the early round range, according to Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings.
Quinn Ewers has great arm elasticity and gashed the 2023 Power 5 competition with 3,479 yards in 2023. He’ll likely catapult higher with improved production in 2024, and perhaps rank high on the Giants’ board.
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
The son of CU head coach and NFL legend Deion Sanders has three straight 3,000-yard campaigns. Shedeur Sanders is dynamic when he’s given time to throw, and he can also extend plays.
But Sanders’ big personality instantly makes him attractive to the New York market.
Carson Beck, Georgia
If the Giants seek a QB equipped with precise accuracy and timing, then Georgia’s Carson Beck becomes their guy.
He’s already facing future NFL talent in the SEC, making him ready for the rigors of the NFL after his UGA career is over.
Veteran QBs the Giants Could Sign in 2025 Free Agency
Someone inside the Giants’ front office, regardless if it’s Schoen or even head coach Brian Daboll, should be cognizant of certain ongoing contract situations that could spark the 2025 free agent class.
Past history suggests the Giants will turn to the draft if they need to make a change at quarterback. Their last two full-time starters, Jones and Manning, were first-round draft picks.
However, the 2025 free agent class could convince the Giants otherwise.
Here are five notable names to monitor on the free agent side if Jones parts ways.
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott has remained embroiled in a highly scrutinized contract situation with the Giants’ bitter NFC East rival, the Dallas Cowboys.
KEEP READING: Top 2025 Free Agents by Position: Dak Prescott Headlines Class
The three-time Pro Bowler is in the final year of his current deal and has a fanbase growing restless over his playoff production. He checks in as PFN’s No. 1 free agent quarterback for 2025.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Like Prescott, Tua Tagovailoa’s contract situation has yet to be ironed out. And like the Cowboys’ quarterback, the Dolphin is dealing with his own criticism about whether he’s capable of leading his team to the Super Bowl.
Tagovailoa ranks as PFN’s No. 3 free agent quarterback.
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
With the Pittsburgh Steelers not picking up Justin Fields’ fifth-year option, he can officially enter the free agent market after this season.
The former first-rounder for the Chicago Bears has been met with underwhelming results. But he could be in high demand if he supplants Russell Wilson and shows improvement as a QB with the Steelers.
Mac Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars
Mac Jones is another 2021 first-rounder who didn’t get his 2025 option exercised by his new team. He’s backing up new $275 million QB Trevor Lawrence before entering free agency for ’25.
Jacoby Brissett, New England Patriots
Jacoby Brissett may be 18-30 as a starter with only one 3,000-yard campaign, but he has a history of winning QB1 duties while also playing for past playoff contenders — which can bode well for the Giants, even if he serves as just a bridge quarterback to a rookie.
QBs the Giants Could Pursue Via Trade
If the Giants choose not to dip into the free agent market for a QB, perhaps phone calls involving these names are worth dialing up for.
Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Yes, even after signing that mega $180 million deal in March, Cousins could end up not lasting long in Atlanta.
Trade talks will sprout if top-10 pick Michael Penix Jr. overtakes QB1 duties. The Giants may get coaxed to take a big swing here.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
Carr finds himself on the hot seat annually as a QB with no playoff wins. He plays in a winnable NFC South, but if the Saints miss the postseason, the franchise may turn another direction — which could mean shopping Carr.
His older brother, David, does have Giants ties, having won Super Bowl 46 as Manning’s backup.