EAST RUTHERFORD – Following a practice session on Thursday afternoon, Daniel Jones spoke for nearly 11 minutes, reflecting on his time as the quarterback of the New York Giants with a sense of gratitude. This marked his first public appearance since being benched after six years in the starting role, and he expressed his commitment to being a supportive teammate to Tommy DeVito, who will start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
In his emotional remarks, Jones acknowledged that he is still “processing” his current situation and hinted at uncertainty about his future with the team, particularly whether he will accept a reserve role. The Giants decided to bench Jones to mitigate the risk of triggering a $23 million injury guarantee linked to his contract. While he could request a release, it appears unlikely that the team would accommodate that request.
Jones took responsibility for the team’s struggles, stating, “I did not play well enough, consistently enough, to help the team get the results.” He admitted to the disappointment of the season, emphasizing his full accountability in the team’s lack of success. Critics have pointed to his issues with accuracy and decision-making as contributing factors to the team’s poor performance. Jones has made questionable throws and has struggled to display the confidence that characterized his play late in the 2022 season.
While practicing, Jones appeared to take on a scout team role, which is uncommon for a quarterback with his experience. He mentioned that his contract made it clear the Giants want to avoid taking risks with him. Coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen had invested considerable effort into supporting Jones, hoping he could develop alongside an improving offensive line and enhanced roster. However, his performance has not aligned with those expectations.
Looking back at last season, Jones achieved career highs across various metrics, leading many to believe that he was on an upward trajectory. The shift in the team’s fortunes has made the current scenario all the more striking. Giants’ management has acknowledged that prior successes may have obscured some underlying issues, leading to miscalculations regarding Jones’ potential.
As the team’s approach shifts, Jones indicated that he remains optimistic about continuing his career elsewhere, expressing excitement for future opportunities in professional football. He affirmed his passion for the game and a desire to succeed.
Though this chapter with the Giants may be closing for Jones, it offers a chance for reinvention and recommitment to his career. Fans will be keenly observing how this transition unfolds, both for Jones and for the new starting quarterback DeVito as the Giants navigate the rest of the season.
In summary, while it’s a challenging time for Jones and the Giants, both parties can view this moment as an opportunity for growth and redefined aspirations. Jones retains hope for his future, and the Giants will have the chance to explore new options moving forward.