Jones can’t wait to throw to prize catch

Daniel Jones and Kenny Golladay have already made a connection.

Not on the field, of course. That comes later. This was a greeting, Jones reaching out to his new target, Golladay, after the Giants signed the towering receiver Saturday to a four-year deal worth $72 million.

“He just said how good of a player he thought I was,’’ Golladay said. “I pretty much said the same thing about him. He also just said we’re trying to do something great here. That’s what I’m all about.’’ The Giants have not done anything great in Jones’ two seasons. Golladay could help change that. At 6-foot-4, he can be the No. 1 threat Jones has lacked, a legitimate weapon on the outside, capable of making plays down the field and catches in traffic. Golladay’s strength, getting down the field, and Jones’ best attribute, throwing it down the field, should make for a rewarding combination.

“I’m very excited to have Kenny,’’ Jones said. “He’s been a big-time playmaker in the league. When we spoke, he was interested in the culture we have in the building and the mindset of the team. I think he had heard it from the coaches, but wanted to hear how we saw it as players and how much we believed in it. I think finding the right fit was important to him.’’

After four years having the ball thrown to him by the strong-armed Matt Stafford with the Lions, Golladay, 27, now has a new quarterback to break in. Jones will turn 24 next month and perhaps Golladay can help with a maturation process in need of a quantum step forward.

“First off, he’s still kind of fresh in the league a little bit and I kind of want to grow with him,’’ Golladay said. “I’m still growing as a player, and I feel like me and him can do some good things. We haven’t got on the practice field yet but me and him are both very excited.’’

Golladay has two 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his four NFL seasons and has averaged 16.8 yards per catch. He said he liked what he heard about the attack from offensive coordinator Jason Garrett but, of course, does not know many details regarding how he will be used in an offense that averaged only 17.5 points a game in 2020.

“Just as far as me, this team’s gonna get a competitor, a guy that’s gonna come in, work, gonna try to push other guys and have fun with it,’’ Golladay said. “I want to have fun while I’m doing this, that’s what I’m doing it for. Just a playmaker, you know?’’

Golladay smiled when he was asked if he believes he can have an immediate impact.

“We haven’t even stepped on the practice field yet,’’ he said. “I know one thing for sure, I’m gonna go out there and do all I can to help this offense go. Whenever they need me I’m gonna be there to pretty much make a play.’’

Soon enough, the Giants will see for themselves what they have added to their offense.

“I can’t wait,’’ Jones said, “to get on the field and get to work with him.’’