Jones: Giants declining 5th-year option 'out of my control'

Quarterback Daniel Jones is focusing on what he can control after the New York Giants declined to pick up the fifth-year option on his contract.

"That was out of my control, out of my hand. ... It is what it is," Jones said Thursday, according to Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com.

Jones, who turns 25 in May, is entering a prove-it year in the 2022 season. He would've been set to earn $22.3 million in 2023 if the Giants had opted to pick up his option.

The Giants selected Jones with the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Duke product has struggled to find consistency in his first three seasons with New York.

Jones has compiled a 12-25 record as a starter, passing for 8,398 yards, 45 touchdowns, and 29 interceptions with a 62.8% completion percentage. He missed the final six contests of the 2021 season after sustaining a neck injury.

Once again healthy, Jones is receiving encouragement from new head coach Brian Daboll to be more aggressive ahead of his fourth professional campaign.

"You can't go out there and play afraid," Daboll said. "Be smart, not reckless, if you will. If he's got a shot on the right read, let it go."

The Giants opted not to select a quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft, picking defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux and offensive lineman Evan Neal in the first round.

Jones will have at least one more season to impress Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. A productive campaign could result in the Giants giving him the franchise tag or a long-term deal in 2023.