Giants QB’s $23M Injury Clause Could Force Him to the Bench: What’s Next for Daniel Jones?

The New York Giants are at a pivotal moment in their 2024 season. At 2-8, with a five-game losing streak, the team faces a critical decision that could shape its future for years to come: what to do with quarterback Daniel Jones?

Jones’ struggles this season have been impossible to ignore. On Sunday, in Munich, the Giants were blanked in the first half against the NFL’s worst defense, the Carolina Panthers, as the offense sputtered to yet another disappointing loss. With only eight touchdowns and seven interceptions through 10 games, Jones’ play has been a major contributor to the Giants’ unraveling season. But the question now is whether New York will continue to ride out the Daniel Jones era or make a change—potentially moving on from the player they signed to a four-year, $160 million extension just last year.

The Growing Case for a Change

Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who has stuck by Jones for much of the season, may be growing weary of his inconsistent play. Jones was benched during a 28-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7, though Daboll remained supportive at the time. But with the Giants’ playoff hopes officially dashed and Daboll’s own job security hanging in the balance, the coach has begun to hint at a possible shift.

In fact, Jones was noticeably absent from first-team reps during practice on Tuesday, fueling speculation that the Giants could turn to backup quarterback Drew Lock for the remainder of the season. If that happens, it would mark a significant shift in direction for a team that has invested heavily in Jones just a year ago.

The Contract Complication

But the decision is more complicated than just performance on the field. Jones’ contract features an injury guarantee clause that has become a sticking point for the Giants. If Jones is unable to pass a physical in March due to an injury sustained this season, the team would be forced to pay him $23 million for 2025—money that the Giants may not want to commit if they have no intention of keeping him long-term.

This injury guarantee clause, often used by teams as a safeguard, has become a weapon of sorts in the current quarterback landscape, and Jones is the latest example of this dynamic. As NFL agent Brad Blank explained, “When you can negotiate an injury guarantee in a contract, it should be a feather in your cap, but in fact, it can be used as a weapon against you, and Daniel Jones is an example of that.” If the Giants are uncertain about Jones’ future with the team, they may be inclined to bench him in order to avoid triggering that guarantee.

The situation is eerily reminiscent of other recent quarterback controversies, such as the one in Denver last year with Russell Wilson and with Derek Carr in Las Vegas two seasons ago. Both teams made the decision to sit their starting quarterbacks in order to avoid triggering lucrative injury clauses, and the Giants may find themselves in a similar position.

A Move Toward Drew Lock?

While Giants general manager Joe Schoen downplayed the impact of Jones’ contract on any decision, insisting that any changes would be based on football reasons, the reality is that finances could play a major role in what comes next. The Giants are on a bye this week, giving them a chance to reassess the quarterback situation before their Week 12 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Jones is benched for Lock, it would be a clear sign that New York is seriously considering the future at quarterback—and it may not involve the man they signed to a massive deal just last year.

Jones, for his part, has shown flashes of promise over the past few seasons, including leading the Giants to a playoff win in 2022. However, his inability to elevate his game in 2024, combined with the team’s overall struggles, has many questioning whether he is the long-term solution under center. A playoff win in the last six years isn’t nearly enough for a franchise that has high expectations and a rich history, and the Giants must now decide whether to cut their losses or continue down the path with Jones.

Financial Considerations and the 2025 QB Draft

The financial implications of a potential move away from Jones are also significant. If the Giants cut him this offseason, they would absorb $22 million in dead money against their cap, which is certainly a blow but may be a necessary sacrifice for the future. Given that the 2025 NFL Draft features a star-studded quarterback class, including potential top picks like Drake Maye and Caleb Williams, New York could be tempted to move on from Jones and reset the quarterback position with a more promising prospect.

The Giants are unlikely to go into full tank mode just yet, but with only seven games remaining and no real playoff hopes, it’s hard to ignore the financial and long-term considerations at play. Sitting Jones down now might be the team’s best chance to avoid the risk of paying him $23 million next year, particularly if they plan to draft a quarterback in 2025.

What’s Next for Daniel Jones and the Giants?

The next few weeks will be crucial for both Daniel Jones and the New York Giants. If he’s benched in favor of Drew Lock or another quarterback, it will signal that the team is already looking toward the future, with an eye on next year’s draft and the potential for a fresh start at quarterback.

For Jones, a decision to bench him could signal the end of his time with the Giants, even though he signed a hefty extension just last year. Whether or not New York can find a way to move on from him without being handcuffed by his contract remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the Giants’ decision at quarterback will have lasting implications on the direction of the franchise.