Daniel Jones addresses QB change

Jones was quickly asked if he plans to be with the team for the rest of the season.

“I think I’m still processing and for now I’m doing the best I can to help Tommy prepare, help the team prepare,” he said. “That’s what I’m going to do right now. So, processing I guess. Obviously a decision was made and I’m not playing. So I think that’s what it was framed as .”

Jones continued to heed his team-first mentality as he answered several follow-up questions, including what factors he will consider whether he continues to attend practice or take a hiatus from the Giants.

“I think you first think about what’s best for the team and how you can help,” he said. “And then myself and what is best for my situation going forward.”

Asked if he blamed himself for the team’s 2-8 record and poor offensive results, Jones said, “I would definitely say football is a team game. But the quarterback is a big part of it, and I understand that. For me and my part of it, I take responsibility.”

The Giants have lost five straight games, most recently a 20-17 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers in Munich on Nov. 21. They had a bye last week, and when the team returned to work Monday, Jones met with general manager Joe Schoen and Daboll, who briefed him on the quarterback change. Their reasoning was simple.

“I think obviously we’re 2-8 and that’s not where we want to be,” Jones said. “They’re looking to change things. So I think that’s what was communicated.”

What were his feelings when he received the news?

“Definitely not happy about it,” Jones said. “Not what you want to hear. And then all the emotions you have. But at the end of the day it’s football and we’re in a business where you’re expected to get results and we didn’t, so you have to accept that and understand.”

Jones admitted that the damage guarantee in his contract was part of the discussion. If he was injured in a game or practice and was unable to pass an offseason physical, $23 million of his 2025 contract would be guaranteed — and count against the Giants’ salary cap.

“It was definitely part of the conversation,” Jones said. “I wanted to play. I wanted to play bad and do what I could to play. I think that was part of it. Most of those discussions were with my agents and Joe.”

Jones did not directly answer when asked if he would waive the injury guarantee to stay on the field now.

“I wanted to play,” he said. “I want to play. I want to be on the pitch. I tried to do as much as I could to make it possible and create a situation where we were both comfortable. Most of those discussions were with my agent and with Joe I want to play the field, but it’s also the unfortunate business side.

This is also the reason why he only does individual exercises in practice.

“Well, I have a damage guarantee,” Jones said. “So that’s it. I understand. They don’t want to take any risks. At that point, just do as you’re told.”

Jones became emotional near the end of his news conference when asked about the support of his teammates, particularly Dexter Lawrence and Darius Slayton, close friends and other members of the Giants’ 2019 draft class. They are the three longest-serving giants.

“Like I said, I’ve built a lot of good relationships here with the guys here and definitely appreciate the support,” Jones said. “But it’s about the team and what’s best for the team. I know the guys will be ready to go. I know Tommy will be ready to go this week.”

During his six years with the Giants, Jones has routinely answered questions about him with team-tailored answers. He probably did it today in part because he’s unsure of what’s in his football future.

“I think I’m still trying to process this and what’s best for the team, what’s best for me and then make a decision about that going forward,” he said. “I’m confident in my abilities, a lot of good football ahead and I’m excited about it.

“I think you deal with it and move on and accept it. I’m good and understand. I’m looking forward to the next step and trying to do what I can to help the team.”

*Kayvon Thibodeaux will play Sunday for the first time since Oct. 6 and with Brian Burns and Azeez Ojulari, the latter two tied for second on the team with 6.0 sacks. Thibodeaux had 2.0 sacks before a wrist injury that required surgery sidelined him for five games. Ojulari recorded 5.0 sacks in Thibodeaux’s absence. The Giants now have three productive edge rushers for two spots.

“It’s a good problem to have,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. “Obviously, with Azeez coming on and the impact he’s been able to have for us, he’s earned the opportunity to play. So it’s really good to get Kayvon back out there, to see him go back through it like see where it goes with him this week see where we are on Sunday but optimistic with him and we’ll see where it ends up but it’s a good problem to have.

*The Giants again had full participation in practice with four players working on a limited basis: defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (knee), safety Tyler Nubin (back), wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles) and linebacker Darius Muasau (hamstring).

*Thibodeaux, officially in his 21-day window to return from injured reserve, was one of six players listed as full participants along with wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion), tight end Theo Johnson (back), guard Greg Van Roten (abdomen), cornerback Dru Phillips (hip) and linebacker Matt Adams (knee).