Watch: Giants QB Daniel Jones throws two interceptions in disastrous return

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones had a disastrous return on Saturday from last year's season-ending ACL injury.

He threw interceptions on two of his first three drives, including a pick-six.

Jones made a horrendous decision on the pick. The play began at New York's own 8-yard line, and Jones, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension last offseason, panicked under pressure.

With Texans defensive end Derek Barnette draped over him for a would-be safety, Jones threw the ill-advised pass right to Texans safety Jalen Pitre.

He followed that with an interception to Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who jumped in front of the poorly placed deep ball along the sideline.

Through three drives, Jones had as many completions to the Texans as to the Giants. He was 2-of-6 for 18 yards with a 2.8 passer rating (out of a possible 158.3).

Jones led a touchdown drive on his fourth possession, going 3-of-3 for 52 yards during the series, including a 44-yarder to Darius Slayton to set New York up at Houston's 1-yard line.

That was about the only positive for Jones.

But it was undeniably a horrible reintroduction. Jones likely needs a strong season to warrant being New York's starter in 2025.

The front office can cut him following the season and get $19.4 million in cap savings ($22 million in dead cap) by designating him as a pre-June 1 cut. It would receive more substantial savings by releasing him post-June 1, via Over The Cap .

The Giants passed on quarterbacks — including Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy and Bo Nix — in April's NFL Draft and instead chose to go with Jones in 2024.

If his two early interceptions are an indication of what's to come this season, New York won't make the mistake next year.