Daniel Jones released/ Giants quarterback news/ Daniel Jones benched/ New York Giants roster changes/ Tommy DeVito starts/ EAST RUTHERFORD/ N.J./ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The New York Giants released quarterback Daniel Jones on Friday, marking the end of his tenure just days after benching him for third-stringer Tommy DeVito. Jones, who signed a $160 million contract in 2023, struggled this season, leaving the Giants at 2-8.
Daniel Jones Released by Giants: Quick Looks
- End of an Era: The Giants cut ties with quarterback Daniel Jones, the sixth overall pick in 2019.
- Request Granted: Jones asked for his release, which team president John Mara said was “best for both sides.”
- Contract History: Jones signed a four-year, $160 million deal in March 2023 after a playoff appearance.
- Struggles: Injuries and regression saw Jones go 1-5 as a starter this season, with the Giants ranking last in scoring.
- New Starter: Rookie Tommy DeVito will start Sunday against the Buccaneers as the Giants seek a spark.
Giants Release Daniel Jones After Benching Him for Tommy DeVito
Deep Look: Giants Release Daniel Jones After Benchings and Struggles
A Sudden End
The New York Giants announced Friday they have released quarterback Daniel Jones, ending a five-year tenure marked by inconsistency and unfulfilled expectations. The decision came just days after the team benched him in favor of rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito.
Jones, 27, reportedly approached team management Friday morning to request his release. Team president John Mara confirmed the move, praising Jones as a “class act” and lamenting the abrupt conclusion of their partnership.
“Daniel has been a great representative of our organization, first class in every way,” Mara said. “We hold him in high regard and wish him nothing but the best.”
Promising Start, but Rocky Finish
Jones was drafted sixth overall in 2019 to succeed Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl MVP. He started early in his rookie season and showed flashes of potential, earning the nickname “Danny Dimes” for his accuracy and poise under pressure.
After leading the Giants to a 9-7-1 record and a playoff victory over Minnesota in the 2022 season, Jones signed a four-year, $160 million extension in March 2023. However, the optimism was short-lived.
Injury woes and offensive struggles defined the 2023 season, and the downward spiral continued into 2024. Jones went 1-5 in his six starts this year, completing 63% of his passes with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Despite the presence of dynamic rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, the Giants’ offense failed to gain traction, leaving the team at 2-8 and dead last in scoring.
Jones Reflects
Jones leaves New York with a 24-44-1 record as a starter.
Turning the Page
The Giants now turn to rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito, who will start Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Brian Daboll hopes the change will reinvigorate the struggling franchise.
“This was not an easy decision,” Daboll said. “But it’s about what gives the team the best chance moving forward.”
While Jones exits with an uncertain future, Mara and the Giants’ organization acknowledged his contributions, particularly during the 2022 playoff run. Now free to sign with any team, Jones has an opportunity to reboot his career elsewhere.
What’s Next for Jones?
Despite his struggles, Jones still possesses the tools and athleticism that made him a top-10 draft pick. Teams in need of quarterback depth or looking for a reclamation project may find value in the former Duke star.
For now, Jones leaves behind a legacy of potential that couldn’t fully materialize in New York. As he seeks a fresh start, the Giants will forge ahead in their ongoing rebuild under Daboll’s leadership.
