Giants Not Planning Deshaun Watson Pursuit

Certainly one of the many teams who would upgrade significantly at quarterback by acquiring Deshaun Watson, the Giants are not expected to entertain that prospect.

The Giants will not pursue Watson, according to ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan (on Twitter). The franchise, as could be expected, is committed to Daniel Jones going forward.

With GM Dave Gettleman having surprised most by pulling the trigger on Jones at No. 6 overall in 2019, it should not surprise the franchise is fully committed to giving the former Duke prospect a third season at the controls. Last month, Gettleman said the Giants have “complete confidence” in Jones. The Giants are also expected to retain OC Jason Garrett, ensuring Jones will not have to play in three offensive systems in his first three seasons.

Jones’ contract runs through 2022, and the Giants will have the 2021 season to determine how they will proceed regarding the quarterback’s fifth-year option. That decision is not due until May 2022. Should the Giants exercise that option, Jones’ 2023 salary becomes fully guaranteed.

The Giants’ offense regressed from 18th in scoring in 2019 to 31st this past season, though their DVOA mark plunged only from 23rd to 26th in this span. Jones threw 24 touchdown passes in 2019 — fourth-most all time among rookie passers — but just 11 in 2020. He leads the NFL in fumbles over the past two seasons, with 29, but did not drop too far in Total QBR from 2019-20. That metric placed Jones 18th in 2019 and 20th in 2020.

Thus far, the Dolphins, Jets and Panthers have been the teams most closely connected to Watson. It will take a historic trade package to pry the three-time Pro Bowler from the Texans, who have continued to insist they are not interested in a deal.

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