Looking back at the biggest “what if” moments in team history, it is easy to see a pattern of expensive, avoidable errors. The franchise has a long, storied past, but the recent choices made by the front office have left a massive hole in the roster and the bank account.
The Daniel Jones contract disaster
The most glaring error sits right at the top of the list. In March 2023, the team decided to give Daniel Jones a four-year, 160 million dollar extension. It was a deal that people hated before the ink even dried. Per GMEN HQ, the team eventually moved on from the 2019 first-round pick only 20 months after that deal. The Giants had to swallow nearly $70 million in dead money to let him go after he was demoted to third-string and even played as a scout-team safety.
The decision resulted in a massive sunk cost. He struggled to find his old form after his ACL tear, and the team stayed with him far too long. If they had just stuck to the original plan, the team might not be dealing with the financial mess they have now.
Isaiah Likely and the bright side
Tight end Isaiah Likely is playing at an elite level right now. He has 39 catches and 383 receiving yards, which leads all tight ends. He received a $12.5 million signing bonus. He is currently on pace for 1,085 yards over a 17-game stretch.
Injury woes and the road ahead
Even with great play from Likely, the team is facing a scary injury report. The Giants are heading into Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans with a lot of players on the sidelines. According to Big Blue Interactive, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds will be out for the rest of the season. Cornerback Greg Newsome is also ruled out for Sunday. Other players like tight end Theo Johnson and safety Jevón Holland are dealing with injuries too.
While the Giants are still in first place in the NFC East, the foundation is shaky.