New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones issued an emotional statement on Thursday in which he all but confirmed that he has played his last snap for the team.
Following a practice in which he played defensive back for the scout team at one point, Jones delivered a statement addressing his future with the Giants. He spoke in the past tense while expressing how grateful he is to have played for the team. Jones also said he takes “full responsibility” for the Giants not winning more games while he was the starter.
“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,” Jones said. “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 percent accountable for my part. I did not play well enough consistently enough to help the team get the results.”
Jones added that he is excited for the next chapter of his career and said there is “a lot of good football in front of me.” You can hear the full statement:
Daniel Jones issues an opening statement after his benching:
"The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true" pic.twitter.com/CHDW0NsHZ7
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 21, 2024
The 27-year-old Jones spoke like a player who has been released. He essentially has been, as he is currently the No. 4 quarterback on New York’s depth chart. Jones has a huge injury guarantee in his contract for 2025, and the team is not going to risk having to pay that.
Jones acknowledged that the injury guarantee is the reason he has been phased out altogether:
Daniel Jones understands his limited involvement on the practice field after being benched pic.twitter.com/ptojFoYCMT
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 21, 2024
Tommy DeVito will start for the Giants in Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Many have wondered why Drew Lock was not named the starter after he backed up Jones all season, but there might be financial reasons for that as well.
Jones will not be back with the Giants next season. It is unlikely that a team will sign him to be a starter, but there should be plenty of interest in the former first-round pick as a backup.
