Daniel Jones passed for over 3,200 yards over the course of the 2022 season and helped propel the New York Giants to the postseason.
After largely struggling during his first three NFL seasons, first-year head coach Brian Daboll helped turn things around for Jones. The Giants decided not to exercise Jones’ fifth-year option before the start of the 2022 season.
The future of the former first-round draft pick in New York is unclear, as he is now set to hit free agency after playing out the final year of his rookie contract. However, one of Jones’ former teammates said he believes the quarterback has shown that he deserves a long-term contract with the Giants.
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James Bradberry, number 24 of the Philadelphia Eagles, speaks to the media during the Philadelphia Eagles media availability ahead of Super Bowl LVII on February 8, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
James Bradberry spent two seasons with the Giants, during which time he was able to see Jones in practice every week. Although Bradberry now plays for the Eagles, he still wants to see his former teammate rewarded with a new contract. He even had a suggestion about how much Jones should be paid.
«I hope you understand,» Bradberry told the New York Post. «I hope he makes it to 35.» The number of 35 probably means a contract for $35 million per year.
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The Giants have the option to franchise Jones for 2023, but management has previously expressed interest in retaining the 25-year-old quarterback long-term.
«We’re happy Daniel is here,» general manager Joe Schoen said in January. «Hopefully, we can do something with his representatives. That would be the goal, to build a team around him where he can lead us to win a Super Bowl.»
James Bradberry, number 24 of the New York Giants, intercepts the ball intended for Deonte Harris, number 11 of the New Orleans Saints, during a game at Caesars Superdome on October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Jonathan Bachmann/Getty Images)
Bradberry added that he believes Jones has shown that he is a franchise player.
«I definitely think Daniel is a franchise quarterback, and I think this season he showed that and also gave him some confidence knowing he’s a franchise quarterback,» Bradberry added. «And he definitely has the guys there supporting him as far as coaches and offensive players. I feel like he’s the guy, and they should stick with him.»
But Bradberry wasn’t the only former teammate to praise Jones. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney is also preparing to play in Super Bowl LVII, but noted that Jones is an impressive quarterback.
«I think he was a great quarterback,» Toney said. «He just has to find a system, I guess.»
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Bradberry also discussed Jones’ intangibles and leadership skills. «I saw his work ethic and his game this year showed it on the field,» he said.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, left, runs with the ball as Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Kyzir White chases him during the first half of an NFL divisional round football game , on Saturday, January 21, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
«I also saw how guys react to him. I always watched him from afar. Like Saquon [Barkley], offensive linemen, all those guys love him. He’s a great guy and a great quarterback. He can get the ball where you need it and he can also make plays with his legs. He checks all the boxes for me.»
In January, two-time Super Bowl winner Eli Manning also endorsed Jones, saying, «I hope he’s the Giants’ quarterback for a long time.»
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Bradberry and the Eagles became the first team to defeat the Giants three times in a single season.