As the New York Giants approach a critical juncture in their evaluation of quarterback Daniel Jones, the team finds itself at a potential crossroads in his sixth year with the franchise. Recent developments suggest that the Giants might have an opportunity to upgrade their quarterback position sooner rather than later. Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys’ star quarterback, is facing a contract impasse with his current team as they gear up for their season opener against the Cleveland Browns.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there is growing speculation that Prescott could become a free agent after the 2024 NFL season. This scenario would open the door for various teams, including the Giants, to make a play for the accomplished quarterback, who recently finished second in the MVP voting and has been named to the Pro Bowl three times.
In a recent analysis by Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, Prescott was listed among the top eight potential destinations, with the Giants ranking as the fourth most likely team to pursue him. This ranking highlights the Giants’ interest in potentially acquiring Prescott, especially given the current dissatisfaction with their quarterback situation.
In the 2023 season, Daniel Jones struggled significantly, recording a dismal 1-5 record in his six starts. During that stretch, Jones threw only two touchdowns while accumulating six interceptions and managed a subpar quarterback rating of 70.5. Such performance issues have cast doubt on Jones’s future with the team. If he does not show substantial improvement in the upcoming 2024 season, the Giants might consider moving on from him. By releasing Jones with a post-June 1 designation in 2025, the team could free up $30.5 million in salary cap space.
While the Giants have some intriguing quarterback prospects eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, such as Carson Beck, Quinn Ewers, and Shedeur Sanders, none are viewed as guaranteed stars. In contrast, Prescott is a proven performer with a strong track record in the league. Securing him, particularly from a divisional rival like the Cowboys, would be a significant achievement for the Giants.
Looking ahead, the Giants are in a favorable financial position to make a move for Prescott. They are projected to have $44.2 million in available salary cap space for the upcoming year. This substantial cap room would enable them to offer Prescott the kind of lucrative contract he is likely to seek. Prescott is currently in the final year of his four-year, $160 million deal. He is expected to command a new contract worth approximately $55.1 million annually over a four-year term starting in 2025, which would make him the highest-paid player in NFL history.
The Giants’ potential pursuit of Prescott underscores their urgency to resolve their quarterback situation and improve their competitive standing. By targeting Prescott, they would not only be addressing their own needs but also making a strategic move to weaken a key rival. The looming decision regarding Prescott’s future will undoubtedly be a pivotal storyline as the NFL season progresses, and the Giants’ management will be closely watching how this situation unfolds.