Giants quarterback Daniel Jones lost his starting job this week as the team named Tommy DeVito the starting quarterback. DeVito and the Giants (2-8) will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) on Sunday.
Jones was the fourth-string quarterback during practice this week and even played some safety on the scout team; he read a prepared statement on Thursday, basically saying goodbye and thanking the Giants for the opportunity to be the team’s quarterback over the last six seasons.
“I wrote something down just to make sure I say it the right way,” Jones said. “The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true, and I’m extremely grateful to the Mara and Tisch families for the chance to play here. The Giants are truly a first-class organization, and I have nothing but genuine respect and appreciation for the people who have built it and who helped carry on that tradition. I’ve met so many special people and created relationships that will truly last a lifetime. Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, and staff that have done so much for me these past six years. There have been some great times but, of course, we all wish there had been more of those. I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins. No one wanted to win more games worse than me, and I gave everything I had on the field and in my preparation. Of course, this season has been disappointing for all and, of course, I wish I could have done more. I’m 100% accountable for my part.
“I did not play well enough, consistently enough to help the team get the results. The reality of the NFL is it’s hard to win games and it requires consistent performance from everyone involved. We didn’t do that well enough. So, the idea to change something happens and I understand. I love the game. I love being part of a team. I’m excited for the next opportunity. I know that there’s a lot of good football in front of me, and I’m excited about that. To all the fans, I have deep respect and appreciation for your passion and love for the Giants. The fans are a huge part of what makes playing for the Giants so special. Thank you.”
Jones, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract in 2023, says at this point that he’s “processing” everything, and he’s not sure what his or the team’s next steps will be. If Jones, who is coming off a torn ACL in 2023, is injured and cannot pass a physical next offseason, $23 of his $30 million salary for 2025 would be guaranteed, so that’s the main reason the sixth overall pick in the 2019 draft will never play another snap for the Giants.
Look, the 27-year-old Jones has some ability. He’s not a franchise quarterback, but he could be a low-level starter, or at the least, a very good backup moving forward.
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