The New York Giants made a decisive commitment to Daniel Jones as their quarterback during the previous offseason, solidifying their future with a substantial four-year, $160 million contract signed in March 2023. This strategic move essentially locks them into his leadership for at least the 2024 season. The Giants are hoping this investment will yield the stability and success they seek, and they are optimistic that Jones can develop into a franchise quarterback that can lead the team to victory.

In their pursuit of finding a franchise quarterback, the Giants had ambitious aspirations to trade up from their sixth overall pick to the third position in this year’s draft. They envisioned the possibility of acquiring a top talent, but the teams holding the coveted picks showed no interest in trading down. This left the Giants in a challenging position, forcing them to evaluate their options in a landscape where their ideal solutions were just out of reach.

During free agency, the Giants explored multiple options, including Russell Wilson. However, Wilson opted not to be a backup to Jones; he instead chose to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is currently steering the team toward potential success in the AFC Playoffs. His decision underscores the competitive nature of the quarterback market and the challenges the Giants face in securing a reliable backup option behind Jones.

Ultimately, the Giants opted to sign Drew Lock on a one-year contract as a backup to Jones. Lock was made aware of Jones’s starting position upon joining the team, and he agreed to the arrangement, accepting his role as a secondary option. His signing for a one-year, $5 million contract reflects the team’s strategy to ensure depth without overcommitting financially, especially after Wilson’s choice to go to Pittsburgh.

In a recent interview, Giants general manager Joe Schoen addressed inquiries about the quarterback situation and whether he would have approached things differently, particularly regarding Wilson’s visit to New York. Schoen noted, “When people are free agents and you go through the process, you do what you do. If it’s a good fit, then sometimes they come. If they’re not, you can’t make them.” His comments highlight the unpredictable nature of free agency and the importance of finding the right fit for the team.

As the season progresses into Week 10, Wilson has taken over as the starting quarterback for the Steelers after stepping in for Justin Fields in Week 7. Under Wilson’s leadership, the Steelers have recorded three consecutive victories, including a memorable win against the Giants. This stark contrast in performance raises questions about the Giants’ current quarterbacking situation and whether they can turn their season around.

Currently, the Giants find themselves struggling with a record of 2-8 and on a five-game losing streak as they approach their bye week. Jones’s performance has been under scrutiny, and the team is actively evaluating whether to continue starting him. A specific clause in his contract includes an injury guarantee that could cost the Giants $23 million if triggered, adding pressure to their decision-making process.

Recent performances have made it evident that Jones has been a liability for the team, particularly in high-pressure situations within the red zone and when executing crucial plays down the field. The Giants’ record of 1-5 in one-score games suggests that with improved quarterback play, they could have secured a more favorable record, potentially standing at 4-6 or 5-5 instead of their current 2-8 position.

Wilson, a Super Bowl champion with proven success, could have been the quarterback to elevate the Giants’ performance and help them navigate close games more effectively. His experience and skill set might have made a significant difference in the Giants’ season, emphasizing the importance of their choices in the offseason.