ORLANDO, Fla. — The Giants still believe in Daniel Jones, but they are still looking at quarterbacks.
They might choose one with the sixth pick in the NFL draft.
“There are some talented ones in many places,” Giants coach Brian Daboll said Tuesday.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye are expected to be selected before the Giants are on the clock, but J.J. McCarthy could be available. Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. are also options for the Giants.
Daboll is examining all of them.
“I enjoy evaluating quarterbacks,” he said. “I enjoy meeting with the quarterbacks. It's a great position to work with and it's a really interesting position to assess.”
The Giants gave Jones a $160 million, four-year extension last year that included $81 million in guarantees. He led them to a playoff win in Daboll’s first season but Jones struggled last season. He started 1-4, missed several games with a neck injury and then tore his ACL in November.
Daboll already confirmed that Jones will be the starter after the team signed Drew Lock to be the backup. Owner John Mara supports Jones but wouldn’t mind if the team picked a QB in the first round.
“Everyone in the building wants Daniel to succeed but you can never let that get in the way of making a judgment that if there are people coming out in the draft who have a chance to be. … franchise-type players,” Mara said.
Daboll is also thinking about calling plays this season. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, who has been promoted to assistant head coach, called plays the past two years.
TEXANS TRANSITION
Cal McNair was unanimously approved by owners to become the principal owner of the Houston Texans, taking over for his mother Janice McNair.
“The Houston Texans mean so much to our family and I’m extremely proud that Cal will continue to lead the franchise moving forward,” said Janice McNair, the team’s co-founder and senior chair. “He has done such a terrific job as our CEO and we believe this move is what’s best for everyone involved with the organization to secure our future under Cal’s leadership. I know how pleased Bob would be to see this and our fans should be incredibly excited about the direction we are headed. I will continue to support Cal and the team in every way that I can and, of course, be rooting for us each and every week.”
The Texans went from worst to first last season in coach DeMeco Ryans’ first season and with AP Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud and AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson.
“It’s an exciting time to be a Houston Texan and I’m honored to lead this franchise,” Cal McNair said. “This move ensures the long-term stability of our franchise and we will continue to operate the way we have been over the last couple years, pursuing a championship for the City of Houston while doing great things in the community and for our fans.”
DAZZLED BY CALEB
Bears coach Matt Eberflus was impressed by Williams’ pro day and his meeting with the USC quarterback expected to go No. 1 overall to Chicago.
Eberflus said the main thing he noticed was the quarterback's arm talent on tape and in person. He also liked seeing how the quarterback interacted with his teammates. Eberflus mentioned that they interviewed every person on the team, including at the Senior Bowl and pro day, and observed the players' admiration and respect for the quarterback and what he has contributed to the program.
The Bears traded Justin Fields to Pittsburgh and now hope that Williams can become their main QB.
LAME-DUCK STATUS
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy is not worried about entering the last year of his contract without an extension.
McCarthy doesn't see it as additional pressure but rather as the reality of the industry. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the bigger picture and expressed gratitude for his current position.
Dallas has won 12 games in each of the last three seasons but has a record of 1-3 in the playoffs. The team hasn't made it to the NFC championship game since winning the Super Bowl in 1995.
NO RESPECT
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have won the NFC South championship three times in a row, still feel they don't receive enough recognition, despite reaching the second round of the playoffs last season with Baker Mayfield as their quarterback.
Coach Todd Bowles mentioned that the focus remains on winning the season rather than the offseason, drawing inspiration from the lack of respect. The coach emphasized the team's determination to defend their title and advance further in the playoffs.
FOOTBALL SANTA
The NFL plans to have two games on Christmas Day this year, even though Christmas falls on a Wednesday. Additionally, the league will schedule four teams to play on Saturday in Week 16 prior to the games on Dec. 25, similar to a Thursday game following Sunday matches.
Last Christmas, three games had an average of 29.1 million viewers.
The NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that this won't be a regular occurrence and will only happen when Christmas falls on a Wednesday.
STEELERS INK PATTERSON
The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing veteran running back/kickoff return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson to a two-year deal.
According to a source with knowledge of the agreement, the contract is worth a total of $6 million. The source spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity as it had not been announced.
Patterson, a versatile 33-year-old, spent the last three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. A four-time All-Pro, he provides the Steelers with veteran experience to adapt to the new kickoff rules aiming to generate more returns.
Patterson has scored nine kickoff returns for a touchdown in his 11-year career with Minnesota, Oakland, New England, Chicago, and Atlanta. He has led the league in kickoff return average three times and has seven kickoff returns of 100 yards or more.
ORLANDO, Fla. — The New York Giants continue to have faith in Daniel Jones, but they are still scouting quarterbacks.
