If the Giants draft Justin Herbert, what happens to Daniel Jones?

The New York Giants don’t seem likely to draft Justin Herbert, but if they do what happens to Daniel Jones?

Among their areas of need, since they used the sixth overall pick on Daniel Jones just last year, quarterback does not stand out for the New York Giants heading into this week’s draft. But according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Giants have spent a lot of time researching Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert.

Herbert could be the second quarterback drafted, if the hype about a possible fall for Tua Tagovailoa winds up real. Or he may fall down the first round quickly himself, if teams picking in the top-10 pass on him.

Jones made 12 starts and played in 13 games as a rookie last year, with over 3,000 yards through the air and 279 yards rushing as well as a solid completion rate (61.9 percent) and a good touchdown-to-interception ratio (24:12). But fumbles were a major issue, with a league-most 18 (11 lost), and he also took 38 sacks. He had some good moments, and his future seems bright.

But if there’s an opportunity to get an elite quarterback, or one you think can be elite, it shouldn’t be turned down. The Giants’ division rival Washington Redskins are facing this circumstance right now, with their own 2019 first-round pick Dwayne Haskins in place and Tagovailoa an option with the second overall pick. Back in 2012, after going all-in to trade up and get Robert Griffin III, Washington took Kirk Cousins later in that same draft.

The Arizona Cardinals used a second straight top-10 pick on a quarterback just last year, moving Josh Rosen aside for No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray. That looks like a substantial upgrade, even with the clear caveat that Rosen is likely to now be headed for his third team in as many NFL seasons.

Drafting Herbert would naturally create a trade chip for general manager Dave Gettleman, with multiple teams surely willing to take a flier on a young quarterback like Jones.

Gettleman is apparently open to trading down, which he has never done in his career as a GM. So the rumor of interest in Herbert really looks like a proverbial for sale sign on the No. 4 pick, with the added notion the Giants might just take Herbert if a suitable trade offer doesn’t come.

Using back-to-back premium draft picks on a quarterback is rare, but not unprecedented. Gettleman has to be right if he does it though, with more dire needs to fill and the heat turning up on him this year.

If the Giants do stay put at No. 4 and draft Herbert, as unlikely as it seems to be, a competition for the starting job with Jones could happen. But a subsequent trade of Jones is way more likely, since no team is going to draft Herbert and just dip their toes in that water.