Daniel Jones isn’t used to just sitting back and watching New York Giants practice, but after a slump coming out of the bye Saturday, he’s getting his Understand the timing as Big Blue’s franchise quarterback is gone after six seasons.
It’s certainly not how Jones, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, wanted to end his Giants tenure — a losing 2-8 season where his play carried him the rest of the year. Not justified to start.
But head coach Brian Daboll made it official, moving Tommy DeVito into the starting role and Jones moving back to QB4 with veteran Tim Boyle on the team.
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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during the Carolina Panthers game, Nov. 10, 2024, in Munich, Germany. (AP Photo/Leinart Press)
Speaking for the first time since the move, Jones gave an opening statement to members of the media at the team’s facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where he was nothing short of a class act.
“The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true,” Jones began. “I am extremely grateful to the Mara and Tisch families for the opportunity to play here. The Giants are truly a first-class organization, and I have nothing but true respect and admiration for the people who have built it and the people who They carry it on this tradition
“I take full responsibility for my role in not getting more wins. No one wanted to win a game more than me, and I gave everything I had on the field and in my preparation, certainly this season for everyone. It’s been disappointing and of course I wish I was 100 per cent responsible for my part, which is enough to help the team get results. It requires a consistent performance from everyone involved, so well Didn’t, so thought of changing something else I understand.
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“I love the game, I love being a part of the team, and I’m excited for the next opportunity. I know I have great football ahead of me and I’m excited for it. To all the fans, I’m a Giants fan. I deeply respect your passion and love for the fans, they are a huge part of what makes playing for the Giants so special.”
The writing was on the wall after Jones’ accident against the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany, which was the final straw for Daboll, GM Joe Schoen and the rest of the organization.
Jones said there was a conversation between Schoen and his agents, where the Giants GM explained what the move was going to be. And Jones wasn’t backing DeVito, because his contract has a $23 million injury guarantee that would kick in if he gets hurt.
That’s why the Giants brought in Boyle and kept Jones away from anything that could potentially lead to injury. Usually in these cases – look at the Las Vegas Raiders with Derek Carr – teams will simply let the player stay home and prepare for what’s to come with his next team.
For now, Jones is “still processing” and wants to help.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones passes against the Washington Commanders on November 3, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/John Munson)
“I’m doing my best to help Tommy prepare, help the team prepare and that’s what I’m going to do right now,” Jones said. And not playing,” Jones said.
As for the injury guarantee, Jones didn’t say so directly, but it seemed like he was trying to stay on the field for the Giants anyway. He was asked if he would waive the injury guarantee to return to the field.
He said that I want to play. I want to come to the field. “I think I tried to do as much as I could to make it happen and create a situation, but most of those conversations were with my agent and Joe. I want to play, I want to continue. The field, but it’s an unfortunate business side of the game.
“I’ve got an injury guarantee, so there’s that and I understand that. They don’t want to take any risks. So, yeah, at this point it’s just do as you’re told.”
Despite his efforts, Jones would sit back during practice sessions, helping out wherever he could. But he, like everyone else, knows his NFL future lies elsewhere, which is emotional, especially when he hears the support of his teammates.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones attends a news conference after a practice session on Nov. 8, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (AP Photo/Leinart Press)
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“I’ve built a great relationship with the guys here, and definitely appreciate the support,” Jones said, getting choked up. “But it’s about the team and what’s best for the team. I know the guys will be ready to go, and Tommy will be ready to go this week.”
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