The NY Giants have been among the biggest spenders in free agency, aiming to accelerate a rebuild but also with one eye on the oncoming third NFL season of quarterback Daniel Jones, and his development.
Nearly three years after choosing Jones with the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL Draft, NY Giants — and ostensibly owner John Mara — have committed up to $42 million guaranteed to wide receiver Kenny Golladay, signed wide receiver John Ross, and paid cornerback Adoree’ Jackson up to $26.5 million guaranteed over the next four years.
While the seat under Jones isn’t even lukewarm, he has come clear marching orders from Mara and the organization.
"“We think the world of Daniel in this building,” Mara said Wednesday. “I know our coaches feel very strongly about him. We want to see him take the next step. I don’t have any specific benchmarks [for him] other than, ‘let’s win some more games.'”"
The NY Giants won only 10 games through Jones’ first two seasons, as he tossed 35 touchdowns to 22 interceptions and is just 8-18 as a starter.
Mara hopes — and believes, that a stronger supporting cast will bring out the best in Jones, and turn the franchise’s fortunes around.
“I think he will have a better team around him this year than he has had in previous years,” Mara said. “We certainly expect him to take the next step, but I’m not going to put any specific benchmarks to improve, because I do believe he has what it takes to be a long-term winner in this league.”
In recent years the Kansas City Chiefs have built an offensive juggernaut around Patrick Mahomes, and won a Super Bowl for their efforts, as the Buffalo Bills have added marquee wide receivers to Josh Allen’s arsenal the past two offseasons, the NY Giants seem to be following that same road with Jones.
While the Giants certainly hope Golladay and Ross lead to more victories and more production in 2021, the motivation to sign them went far deeper.
“You have two guys with Golladay you have a guy who has put up some big numbers in this league,” Mara said. “John Ross is someone who has some unique speed, and we think we might hit on him as well. Surrounding Daniel with more weapons was certainly a priority coming into this offseason.”
Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.