He might not have been signed for the purpose of replacing Daniel Jones' job, but Drew Lock but still aims to get on the field for the New York Giants, due to a surprising and less publicized provision in the backup quarterback’s contract.
The details were revealed by Dan Duggan of The Athletic. He mentioned that “the specifics of Drew Lock’s contract with the Giants were not widely reported. It's a 1-year deal with a $5M base, as previously reported. However, he can also earn an extra $3M through incentives.”
Importantly, “the $3M in incentives are linked to playing time, performance, and team success. They have the same requirements as Tyrod Taylor's contract with the Giants (and Taylor's new contract with the Jets).”
The breakdown of these potential bonuses is significant. Duggan explained that “there's $1M for playing time: $250K for 40-49% of snaps $250K for 50-59% $250K for 60-69% $250K for 70+%.”
The incentives also cover “$1M for performance, with a minimum of 224 pass attempts: $250K for 92.5 passer rating $250K for 65% completion $250K for 15 TD passes and 88 passer rating $250K for 2,000 yards passing and 88 passer rating.”
Lastly, Lock could receive “$1M for playing time/team performance: $500K for 55-69% of snaps and playoff berth $500K for 70+% and playoff berth.”
By bringing in the previous QB2 Tyrod Taylor , the Giants made a wise decision, even if it's clear what it means for Jones. The Giants have paid Lock to play, a move they wouldn’t have made if they weren’t aware of the risk that Jones could struggle again.
Drew Lock Is Well-Positioned to Begin
Details of the contract like this only add to the speculation that Lock might begin his first season since joining from the Seattle Seahawks. He has a strong case based on previous statements from Seahawks' general manager John Schneider, who revealed that the Giants “pitched” the opportunity for Lock to compete for the starting role, before signing him in the 2024 NFL free agency.
It also appears that the Giants were intent on having a backup ready to start, regardless. Taylor mentioned that the Giants indicated a willingness to re-sign him before the 34-year-old joined the New York Jets.
Taylor performed well when filling in for the injured Jones last season, throwing for 1,341 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games. This included a touchdown pass against the against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18.
Taylor made the throw while on the move after escaping pressure. He displayed the type of agility, accuracy, and smart decision-making that head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka desire from their starting quarterback.
Lock can make similar plays with his arm and legs, just as he did in a 20-17 victory over the Eagles in Week 15.
The 27-year-old went 22 of 38 for 208 yards, but delivered his best performance in the fourth quarter, according to data from PFF SEA Seahawks.
Lock possesses the untapped potential to step in and succeed if Jones continues to struggle. Addressing these struggles has been a theme of the Giants' offseason.
Giants Ready for Transition from Daniel Jones
Jones had difficulties holding onto the football and staying healthy last season, despite being handed a four-year contract valued at $160 million. Following a neck issue, along with a torn ACL restricted him to only six games.
A 1-5 record from those starts, along with only two touchdown passes, compared to six interceptions, means Jones can’t be certain of his position as the Giants’ main man. Not when more and more signs indicate that the Giants are ready to choose a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft.
Those indications were clarified by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer: “New York is doing everything a team would if it were going to select one. Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy came to East Rutherford for pre-draft “30” visits right after the combine. All the QB pro days were well-staffed by New York. A crew of eight Giants officials, including Schoen and Daboll, met privately with Michael Penix Jr. in Seattle on March 29.”
Moving up from the sixth pick to acquire their future passer would be an expensive decision. Luckily, the Giants have been given permission to attempt it after team president John Mara expressed his support for Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, according to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News.
The Giants are considering all options at football’s most crucial position. Those options will include allowing Lock to earn his incentives.
