It’s one thing to make a mistake. It’s another to give that mistake $160 million and watch it spiral into one of the most catastrophic contracts in recent sports history. However, that's where we are with a former New York Giants quarterback. Congratulations, Daniel Jones—you’ve made the list of the top 10 worst sports contracts since 2020.
The honor, or dishonor, in this case, comes courtesy of David Kenyon from Bleacher Report, who probably didn’t even have to think twice about slotting Jones in there.
Kenyon stated:
"Even before a knee injury ended his season, Jones' passing efficiency and interception rate tumbled to career-worst rates. He returned in 2024 but continued to struggle; the Giants surpassed 20 points in only three of his starts on their way to a 2-8 record and his benching."
For those keeping score at home, this isn’t just a Giants problem; this is a New York Giants forever attached to this move problem. Let’s recap how we got here. After a decent season in 2022—where Jones managed 15 touchdown passes—Giants owner John Mara essentially forced general manager Joe Schoen to back up the Brinks truck. Four years, $160 million, and $82 million guaranteed later, Jones rewarded them with one of the most spectacular flameouts in franchise history.
The nightmare started immediately. Jones floundered in 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury. In 2024, he returned only to struggle more, going 2-8 as a starter before losing his job to Tommy DeVito. Things got so bad he was demoted to scout-team safety. The Giants eventually released him, eating the embarrassment and leaving fans wondering how it ever got this bad.
Joe Schoen's $160 million decision makes the naughty list
Let’s be real—Jones’ deal felt bad from day one. It was a panic move by Schoen and the front office, desperate to keep the good vibes rolling after the Giants squeaked into the playoffs in 2022. But anyone with eyes could see the warning signs. Jones was never more than an average quarterback, even in his best moments. Yet the Giants paid him like a perennial Pro Bowler.
What makes it worse is how painfully avoidable this was. Every fan with a Twitter account knew paying Jones was a bad idea. Even his Madden rating was screaming, “Don’t do it!” But the Giants ignored common sense, and now the rest of the league treats the Giants like their own personal punching bag.
Jones’ disastrous contract serves as a cautionary tale for every GM out there. It’s not just about the $160 million—it’s about the ripple effects. The Giants wasted two seasons waiting for Jones to figure it out, missed opportunities to draft his replacement sooner, and are now stuck trying to rebuild from the ashes of this preventable blunder.
Meanwhile, Jones is somehow still clinging to relevance. After his release, he landed with the Minnesota Vikings, where he worked on the practice squad under the tutelage of head coach Kevin O’Connell. Now, rumors link him to Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams, who apparently could see him as their next reclamation project. Who knows?
Regardless, the road ahead in New York is clear but steep. They’re locked into a full rebuild, with Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll under immense pressure to right the ship and nail the 2025 draft. Whether it’s Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, or someone else entirely, the Giants have to get their next QB decision right.
As for Daniel Jones, he’s already cemented his legacy in New York. Unfortunately, it’s not as the face of the franchise—it’s as the face of one of the worst contracts in sports history.