Le’Veon Bell, the former Pro Bowl running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, recently took a jab at New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones on social media.
A post teasingly asked, “Who is stopping this offense?” alongside a photo of Jones and his wide receivers. Bell didn’t hold back, replying simply, “Daniel Jones.”
Since stepping into the starter role with the Giants, Jones has faced intense scrutiny. He was drafted sixth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft and had a rocky start, going 3-9 during his rookie year with respectable stats—3,027 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions—but also a league-high 19 fumbles.
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His performance dipped in 2020, leading to a 5-9 record with 11 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions in 14 starts. The pressure was mounting, but Jones bounced back in 2021, starting 16 games and bringing the Giants to a 9-6-1 record and a playoff berth. That season, he logged 3,205 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only five interceptions, plus an impressive Wild Card victory over the Vikings.
Following the 2022 season, the Giants recognized his potential with a hefty four-year, $160 million contract. Unfortunately, his 2023 season was cut short due to a torn ACL, where he managed just two touchdowns and six interceptions in six starts.
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Entering this offseason, Jones faces another wave of uncertainty, though the Giants remain committed to him. They even tried to trade up in the draft for top quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye but came up short. Instead, they focused on boosting Jones’ support by adding wide receiver Malik Nabers.
The upcoming 2024 season is crucial for Jones. With a stronger receiving corps, the Giants expect him to help lead them to the playoffs. If he falters once again, the team might seek a new starting quarterback by the 2025 season.
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