Drew Lock Downplays Possible Giants QB Battle vs. Daniel Jones: I’m ‘Here to Help’

New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock made it clear Friday that he was primarily brought to the organization in order to serve as the backup to Daniel Jones.

According to NJ.com’s Bridget Hyland, Lock was asked about being “the most popular guy in town” due to his status as the backup, and he responded by clearly spelling out his role:

“I wouldn’t say that. I would say I appreciate the people that respect my game and know what I can do, but you’re the backup, and you’re here to help Daniel.

“Three years I wasn’t a starting quarterback I was patient then. I know how to be a backup, and just be ready if and when your time comes. As a backup, you hope it never comes, you hope the team’s playing good football. You hope Daniel stays healthy, but do everything you can to be ready, and when that time comes, just make the best of it.”

Although it doesn’t sound like Lock expects to have a full-on competition with Jones for the starting job, he noted that he is prepared to step in if needed, saying: “I know I can do it. It is what it is. Whenever that time comes, if it comes, I’ll be ready.”

The 27-year-old Lock was originally a second-round pick by the Denver Broncos in the 2019 NFL draft, and after going 8-13 in 21 starts over three seasons, he was dealt to the Seattle Seahawks as part of the Russell Wilson trade.

Lock spent 2022 and 2023 in a backup capacity to Geno Smith, but he did make two starts last season, going 1-1. One of those starts was an upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles in which he led a late, game-winning drive punctuated by a 29-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba with 28 seconds remaining.

The Giants subsequently signed Lock to a one-year, $5 million contract in free agency, and there was initially some thought that he could push Jones for the starting job.

In 2023, which was his first season under head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Jones enjoyed a career year, completing 67.2 percent of his passes for 3,205 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions, while also rushing for 708 yards and seven scores.

Jones also helped lead the Giants to the playoffs, so expectations were high entering the 2023 campaign.

However, injuries limited Jones to only six games, and he largely struggled when healthy, completing 67.5 percent of his passes for 909 yards, two touchdowns and six picks, and posting a 1-5 record.

Although he performed poorly, the Giants didn’t have much choice other than to keep Jones for the 2024 season since they signed him to a four-year, $160 million contract extension just last year.

Given that type of investment, the Giants have plenty of incentive to try to make things work with Jones as the starter, so it is understandable why it sounds like he will get the first crack at the starting job.

Should Jones struggle again or get bitten by the injury bug, Lock provides the Giants with a veteran option at quarterback who has shown that he can win some games when thrust into action.

Lock could also serve to light a fire under Jones since the Giants may be more willing to make a quarterback change with a competent backup in the fold.