Judge: Daniel Jones Is Giants’ 2021 QB1

Daniel Jones is iffy to return for the Giants’ Week 16 game against the Ravens, and he his numbers have taken a steep dive in Jason Garrett‘s offense this season. But Joe Judge backed the current Big Blue starter as his 2021 quarterback.

When asked Wednesday about Jones’ status as the Giants’ starter beyond this season, Judge responded, “Daniel Jones is our quarterback.”

Kyle Shanahan took a similar route when asked about Jimmy Garoppolo‘s job, and Jones has two years remaining on his rookie deal and a 2023 option season. But the Giants received criticism since the start of Jones’ tenure — which began with a No. 6 overall pick — and have seen him struggle often in his second season. The Duke product threw 24 touchdown passes — fourth-most ever for a rookie — in 2019 despite making just 12 starts. Through 12 starts this year, Jones has thrown eight TD passes and has added 10 more fumbles to his eye-popping career total (28).

The Giants do not have to decide on Jones’ fifth-year option until May 2022, though those are higher-stakes decisions due to the options being fully guaranteed beginning with the 2018 first-round class. But the team is set to pick in the top half of the draft — barring major changes in the NFC East picture over the final two games — and would be in position to potentially add another quarterback.

To me it’s a string of moments watching Daniel work. Watching the respect he has in the locker room. Watching him lead throughout this season. I think he’s demonstrated a level of toughness and leadership and knowledge on the field that gives us confidence to put him out there and build with Daniel, Judge said, via ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan.

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