And that dynamic makes it seem even more likely that the Giants will pass on Jones’ fifth-year option for 2023, which is a fully guaranteed $22.3 million that they must decide on by May 2. With the jury still out on Jones, it has always made more sense for the Giants to decline the option, giving them the freedom to move on if they decide that’s best.

Now, with Taylor signed through next season, it makes even more sense, since he gives the Giants a veteran to help shepherd in a rookie quarterback from next year’s draft. Taylor served in a similar role for Cleveland in 2018 with Baker Mayfield, again in Los Angeles in 2019 with Justin Hebert, and again in Houston with Davis Mills last year.

First things first, though. Taylor’s primary reason for being lured to the Giants with $8.5 million in guaranteed money was their need for a competent backup behind the oft-injured Jones. The new braintrust of GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll is well aware of how embarrassing it was late last season when Mike Glennon and Jake Fromm incompetently filled in at quarterback after Jones hurt his neck and missed the final six games.

The Giants went 0-6 and scored 56 total points. They averaged 117.2 passing yards in those games, including a total of 77 in the final two.

Not wanting a repeat of that absurdity, the Giants decided to dedicate a good chunk of what little salary cap space they had to Jones’ backup. They wanted to pursue Mitchell Trubisky, according to a source, but knew he would have better options and a more lucrative deal. Trubisky, who spent last year with Schoen and Daboll in Buffalo, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers for two years, $14.25 million, with incentives that could push it to $27 million.

He is also expected to be the Steelers starting quarterback this season.

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