The New York Giants made the shocking decision to release Daniel Jones, just four days after benching the quarterback chosen with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Friday’s decision to cut ties with Jones caps a tumultuous week that saw the Giants demote Jones to the role of emergency No. 3 quarterback, in large part in hopes of avoiding him suffering an injury that would trigger a $23.5 million injury guarantee for the 2025 season, before sending Jones out onto the practice field Thursday as the safety on the scout team defense.
Following Thursday’s practice, Jones read a lengthy prepared statement thanking the Giants and New York fans while contritely apologizing for not delivering more victories since he was chosen at the top of the 2019 draft.
How New York Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll Delivered Daniel Jones News to Players
Friday, Giants head coach Brian Daboll opened up about what went into the decision to grant Jones his wish and release him.
“This was not an easy situation,” Daboll told reporters prior to Friday’s practice. “When things happen like this. He came in this morning and talked with Mr. Mara. They had their discussion. We talked and thought it was best for him to be able to do that. He put a lot into it, he’s a great young man. It’s never easy.”
Jones’ tenure with the Giants ends with a 64.1 completion percentage for 14,582 passing yards with 70 touchdowns, 47 interceptions, and just one postseason appearance.
Friday morning, Jones requested his release during a meeting with owner Jonn Mara, and was granted it during a conversation with Daboll.
“I did right before we had a little bit of a walkthrough,” Daboll explained. “I let them know. I wanted them to hear it and then, obviously, put out a statement. I’m not going to get into all the particulars. He’s been a pro. It’s never an easy situation. He asked for this and I just thought where we were and him playing versus not playing was the right decision, for him.”
The initial decision to bench Jones seemed to frustrate several players in the Giants’ locker room, including All-Pro defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, and Daboll says he addressed the move to the entire team.
“It was a little bit of a talk,” Daboll said. “A couple minutes. Again, this is not an easy thing. You’re around people every day for a long amount of time, whether it’s years for some people or months for other people. You’ve got a great respect for your teammates, but we’ve got to get ready to go.”
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