ESPN analyst names quarterback 'biggest offseason need' for Giants

ESPN's Matt Miller clearly isn't sold on New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones this fall. 

For a piece published Tuesday, Miller named "quarterback" New York's "biggest offseason need" as of the midway point of the 2022 campaign. 

"Jones, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 draft, has played his best football this season," Miller admitted, "but he hasn't played well enough to be rewarded with a massive new contract. If the Giants like the incoming rookie class, this could be the time for general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll to pick their guy at the position." 

Neither Schoen nor Daboll were attached to the Giants when the organization drafted Jones back in 2019. The 25-year-old, who has been routinely plagued by injuries throughout his Big Blue career, has played in every game this season and helped guide New York to a 7-2 record heading into this Sunday's home game against the 3-6 Detroit Lions. 

Per ESPN stats, Jones begins Week 11 12th among eligible quarterbacks with a 92.7 passer rating, eighth with a 60.3 total QBR, 13th with a 65.8% completion percentage, and 23rd with 1,596 passing yards on the season. He's thrown for eight touchdowns and two interceptions to go along with 387 rushing yards and three additional scores. 

"The Giants declined his fifth-year option earlier this year, which means he'll hit the market in 2023," ESPN's Jordan Raanan added about Jones. "This leaves a massive decision for first-year GM Schoen, who said last week that with nine games remaining it's an 'ongoing evaluation' for Jones and fellow impending free agent Saquon Barkley. New York already seems to know Jones is a quality starter, but does it want to build around him? Jones must prove he can stay healthy and play a full season for the first time in his career."

Schoen indicated to reporters earlier this month he is closer to signing the previously mentioned Barkley to an extension than he is to locking Jones down via any deal. Of course, it's possible Schoen wants to promise Barkley some guaranteed money now so that the executive can use the franchise tag to retain Jones' rights for at least next season.