Chatter has picked up recently about how the negotiations between the New York Giants and quarterback Daniel Jones are going. If there is any truth to the rumors, things are not going too smoothly.

There is reportedly a huge gap between the two sides as Jones is seeking a contract that pays him $45 million annually. That isn’t a number that the Giants are comfortable going up to and no one can blame them. While Jones is coming off the best season of his career, his numbers as a passer are still far from elite.

Asking for money that would make him a top-five paid quarterback is unrealistic. In negotiations, you are going to start with a higher number and work your way down, but asking for too much could set the wrong tone. New York has some power in these talks as they can place the franchise tag on him that would cost between $30-32 million.

However, the one caveat to placing the franchise tag on Jones is that it would take up a majority of the cap space that the Giants have to spend this offseason. That would be a less-than-ideal outcome as there are other holes on the roster that they could fill with that money.

There is still plenty of time for the two sides to work out a deal, but the Giants need to have contingency plans in place in case talks break down. According to JPAFootball on Twitter, Plan B could include drafting a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft.

According to Ryan Fowler, rumors indicate that the Giants are one of five teams to have met extensively with Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker. The Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys are the other four teams linked to Hooker.

Hooker was a Heisman candidate for the 2022 season before tearing his ACL. Before the injury, Hooker was completing 69.6 percent of his passes for 3,135 yards and 27 touchdowns compared to only two interceptions. He added 430 rushing yards and five more scores in what was shaping up to be a special season.

The Virginia Tech transfer is a little bit older for a draft prospect as he is already 25, but there is certainly some talent to work with. As a Day 2 selection, he could be groomed into taking over a starting role for a team down the road.

With Jones’ future up in the air, the Giants need to consider other potential long-term options. Hooker would make for a solid contingency plan as New York already has veteran Tyrod Taylor under contract for the 2023 season as a potential bridge option if needed.