Giants QB Daniel Jones focused on winning, not contract situation

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll accepted their jobs this past winter knowing they'd be attached to quarterback and 2019 first-round draft pick Daniel Jones through at least springtime workouts. 

As was widely expected, Schoen and company ultimately declined the fifth-year option attached to Jones' rookie contract, a decision that officially put the 25-year-old on notice as it pertains to his future with the organization past the 2022 season. Some have recently linked Big Blue with San Francisco 49ers veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who has lost his job and is searching for a new employer as he works to recover from March shoulder surgery. 

Jones spoke with media members on Wednesday and made it clear he's focusing on what he can control as of the early days of training camp. 

"I think my focus is to prepare as well as I can and win games," Jones said after the first practice of camp on Wednesday, per Scott Thompson of SNY. "That’s all I can focus on and that’s what’s going to lead to the best results. That’s my mindset, and if I do those things, the rest of it will take care of itself." 

Last month, new Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka explained how he's "taking a collaborative approach with Jones to design an offense that he’s comfortable with running" for the upcoming campaign. Jones touched upon the system during his comments. 

"I think it gives the quarterback a lot of freedom to take advantage of certain looks, make checks and give the ball to certain guys," Jones remarked. "I think it keeps the quarterback moving in the run game and in the pass game. It kinda plays to that also. I think it’s just a versatile offense that puts guys in different spots, disguises things, reveals defense and that’s all helpful for the quarterback." 

Jones spent time during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp learning to "go down earlier" to avoid the type of injury setbacks that have plagued him throughout his brief NFL career. He will, of course, have to do more than just stay healthy to earn the long-term trust of Schoen and Daboll by this coming winter.