EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Daniel Jones addressed the media for the first time following his benching by the New York Giants in favor of quarterback Tommy DeVito. The emotions were palpable as Jones expressed his regret for not delivering enough victories during his tenure and acknowledged that he is still contemplating his future with the team.
Having served as the Giants’ starting quarterback for nearly six years, Jones was informed of the coaching staff’s decision on Monday. In a prepared statement during Thursday’s news conference, he expressed gratitude towards his team while also sharing his disappointment.
“There have been some great times, but of course we all wish there had been more of those,” Jones reflected. “I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins. Nobody wanted to win more games than me, and I gave everything I had on the field and in my preparation. This season has been disappointing for everyone, and I wish I could have done more. I’m 100% accountable for my part.”
Jones emphasized the difficulty of winning in the NFL, acknowledging that consistent performance is crucial and that the team’s recent struggles prompted the need for a change. Despite the challenges faced, he remains hopeful for future opportunities, stating, “I know there is a lot of good football in front of me, and I’m excited about that.”
While he remains focused on supporting his teammates as they prepare for their upcoming games, Jones remains uncertain about whether he will stay with the Giants for the remainder of the season. The Giants, who have started the season with a 2-8 record, notably lost five consecutive games leading to his benching, even though he has performanced well at times.
The decision to move on from Jones as the starting quarterback comes as a surprise, especially considering he signed a four-year, $160 million contract in March 2023. Assisting his team this week, he served as a scout team safety during practice—a situation his teammate Drew Lock described as unusual.
Acknowledging the complexities of his situation, Jones addressed the potential financial implications tied to an injury guarantee, which plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process for the organization moving forward. As Jones processes this significant career transition, he reflected on the support he’s received from teammates, visibly moved when mentioning close relationships built over the years.
Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, he stated, “It’s about the team and what’s best for the team. I know the guys will be ready to go. I know Tommy will be ready to go this week.”
This decisive change in leadership can serve as a turning point for both Jones and the Giants organization. As he navigates what is undoubtedly a tumultuous time, there remains optimism for what lies ahead for both the player and the team. Through adversity comes opportunity, and fans will be watching closely to see how both Jones and the Giants respond in the coming weeks.