The New York Giants‘ decision to bench quarterback Daniel Jones has sent shockwaves through the locker room, especially among the former top-ten pick’s longest-tenured teammates.
Giants All-Pro defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence was chosen in the same draft class as Jones, and didn’t hold back, publicly, when it came to his dismay over Jones’ benching.
“That’s my best friend,” Lawrence said Tuesday of the decision to bench Jones, via The Athletic. “It’s tough for that to happen. I can’t control it. They made the decision based off their evaluations and their thoughts and feelings. … That’s my boy. As a player, you got to keep playing. As a human and as a brother, I feel for him.”
“(Daboll) just said it was a hard decision. I’m sure it’s hard. He’s the QB1. To me, the best quarterback on the team. But they see things differently. I guess that’s all that matters.”
The Giants’ decision to bench Jones likely at least has a bit to do with his $23.5 million injury guarantee that would trigger for the 2025 season, if suffers an injury down the stretch that would prevent him from passing a physical this offseason.
If New York has sights set on upgrading at quarterback during next spring’s NFL Draft, benching Jones, at this stage of the season makes a lot of sense.
Where the Giants’ plan becomes a bit puzzling, is not only is New York benching Jones but the plan is to elevate Tommy DeVito as the starter with Jones as the No. 4 quarterback.
Brian Daboll Responds to New York Giants players’ criticism
Lawrence’s criticism of the devision carries weight around the locker room, ahead of Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Daboll says that he understands and respects Lawrence’s opinions.
“I got a lot of respect for Dex,” Daboll told reporters. “Dex has been a teammate of Daniel’s for a while. There’s a pretty good relationship with there. Look, everybody’s not going to agree with the decision, and I understand that. We make the decision we feel is best and then we move forward and get ready to go.
“Dex and I have a good relationship, and I respect Dex a great deal. We were just talking a little while ago, not about that. But again, everybody’s going to have certain opinions. I got a lot of respect for all our players. I think we’re focused, we’ll be focused, and do what we need to do to play our best against Tampa.”
Daboll and the Giants made their decision based on what they believe is in the best interest for the franchise in 2025 and beyond. Whether Daboll is the one to make the next decision, about whether to draft a quarterback and which to take, remains to be seen.
For More Football News:
Follow Matt Lombardo on Threads at @MattLombardoNFL. To read more of our articles and in-depth NFL coverage, click here.
Our Partners
