The former Giants RB doesn’t think the New York Jets have to look too far in their search for a franchise quarterback
To many, the New York Jets seem like a team that’s only a quarterback away from competing for a championship. In turn, the Jets are pursuing a veteran quarterback to close that gap.
While the two most common quarterbacks linked to the Jets have been Derek Carr and Aaron Rodgers, it’s no guarantee that either player ends up in green.
Read More Jet X Content:
Article: What on Earth happened to NY Jets RB Michael Carter?
Article: Nathaniel Hackett is perfect OC to unlock NY Jets RB Breece Hall
Article: Can NY Jets gain edge in 2023 with fourth-down decision-making?
Rodgers has returned from darkness and his NFL future is still up in the air. With reports that he could return to Green Bay, Rodgers to New York doesn’t seem like the sure thing it once was.
As for Derek Carr, his meeting with the Jets seemed to go well for both sides. The Jets apparently sold Carr on the idea that he could be a future Hall of Famer if he’s able to lead the team to a championship.
Despite that, Carr’s brother has stated that his brother’s decision will be a drawn-out process – one that could leave the Jets out to dry when it’s all said and done. The Saints are also very interested in Carr, having been the first team to meet with him.
So what happens if neither player opts to play in New York?
Speaking on WFAN this Tuesday, former Giants running back Tiki Barber suggested a surprise option for the Jets at quarterback: Giants QB Daniel Jones.
“If the Jets get stuck with nobody … the guy who’s across the town, Daniel Jones, is more valuable to them than he is to the New York Giants,” said Barber. “They didn’t draft Daniel Jones. They still got a lot of pieces they got to get in place before they’re viable — before they can even beat the Eagles. Daniel Jones makes a lot of sense for the Jets, as crazy as it sounds.”
Daniel Jones more valuable to the Jets than the Giants? Maybe, and @TikiBarber says Gang Green should be open to trading for Danny Dimes: pic.twitter.com/sGDXI7B1XC
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) February 21, 2023
After the Giants declined to pick up Jones’ fifth-year option, he went on to have the best season of his young career. Jones led the Giants to a 9-6-1 record, throwing for 3,205 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He also was incredibly dangerous on the ground, rushing for 708 yards and seven touchdowns.
Jones heads into 2023 as an unrestricted free agent, meaning every team could have an equal opportunity to sign the young signal-caller if the Giants do not elect to place the franchise tag on him. Signing Jones could be more expensive than initially thought, however.
After switching agents (from CAA to Athletes First), it’s been reported that Jones is looking for $45 million per year, according to Mike Florio. That number would put Jones in the same ballpark as Patrick Mahomes, a place where even the biggest Daniel Jones fan can admit he doesn’t belong in.
While it’s unlikely for the Jets to target Daniel Jones, especially at that price, nothing’s off the table until it’s off the table. Perhaps the next QB for the Jets could be one that’s already accustomed to MetLife Stadium.
