Could Daniel Jones Be an Ideal Quarterback Option for Steelers?
p/c: Brooke Sutton
Last offseason, the New York Giants made perhaps the most calculated mistake in franchise history - parting ways with Saquon Barkley. The result was Barkley rushing for 2,000 yards and leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl title.
Rather than signing Barkley to an extension, the Giants decided to lock up quarterback Daniel Jones to a four-year, $160 million dollar deal, in March of 2023.
Jones made 10 starts for the Giants this past season, throwing for 2,078 yards, along with an 8-7 TD/INT ratio, and a passer rating of 79.4.
Heading into Week 12, Jones was benched in favor of Tommy DeVito. This prompted Jones to shockingly ask for his release, on November 22nd, which was granted.
Outside of the DeShaun Watson debacle in Cleveland, the Giants’ decision to extend Jones is one of the most questionable quarterback moves in recent memory.
A week after getting released, Jones was signed to the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad, where he eventually was on the roster, as the backup to Sam Darnold.
Jones will enter free agency for the first time this offseason. Spotrac projects the 27-year-old to receive a one-year deal worth $13.3 million.
A team like the Las Vegas Raiders will have the quarterback position at the top of their offseason wish list. Signing Jones would appear to be a perfect fit, unless the Raiders, who own the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft, choose to trade up with the Giants at 3, to select either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders - depending on who the Tennessee Titans take #1 overall.
Another team that will be on the QB search is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are set to hit the open market. Wilson has been campaigning, for a return to Pittsburgh, although the organization hasn’t given any sort of indication, while Fields, on the other hand, feels like a very good possibility of being brought back.
There was a report that came out Thursday morning of the Steelers inquiring on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but that rumor was quickly shot down.
Given that Jones would have to settle for a “prove it” contract this offseason, it would be surprising, if Steelers GM Omar Khan didn’t at least kick the tires.
Jones’ best NFL season came in 2022, posting a 92.5 passer rating. For one-year, the projected Spotrac figure doesn’t seem outrageous, especially when the expectation level with Jones will be nowhere near what it was in New York (technically, East Rutherford, NJ). If Jones were to perform close to his 2022 production, it would turn into a terrific, bargain signing. But if he struggles, then the Steelers could be in a spot to draft higher for a QB next year.