Giants QB Daniel Jones laments loss, deals with future

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — An emotional Daniel Jones spoke for the first time since being benched by the New York Giants in favor of Tommy DeVito and expressed regret for not producing enough wins while saying he is still processing his future .

Jones has been the Giants’ starting quarterback for much of the past six years. That changed Monday when he was informed of the decision by coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen that there would be a change at quarterback.

Jones came to Thursday’s press conference with a prepared statement, thanking the team but also expressing his disappointment.

“There have been some great times, but of course we all wish there had been more of them,” Jones said as part of his statement. “I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more victories. No one wanted to win more games more than me and I gave everything I had on the field and in my preparation. Of course this season has been disappointing for everyone and Of course I wish I could have done more. I’m 100% responsible. I didn’t play well enough to help the team get results.

“The reality of the NFL is that it’s hard to win games. It takes consistent performance from everyone involved. We didn’t do well enough, so the idea of ​​changing something happens and I understand. I love the game, I love being a share I’m excited for the next opportunity, I know there’s a lot of good football ahead of me and I’m excited for that.

The next opportunity could come elsewhere relatively soon. Jones, who has thrown eight touchdown passes with seven interceptions this season, was noncommittal when asked if he wanted to stay with the Giants for the rest of the season.

New York (2-8) has seven games remaining.

“It’s something I’m processing,” Jones said. “Right now my focus is how can I help all these guys, help all these guys prepare for this week.”

Jones, 27, said he wanted to find a way to keep playing and tried to create a situation that made both sides comfortable despite a $23 million injury guarantee for next season. It was too late. New York’s brass had already decided it was time to move on from the 2019 No. 6 pick as their starting quarterback and turn to DeVito, a second-year quarterback who won three games as a starter last season.

The Giants explained the decision to Jones as change was needed with the team at 2-8. Admittedly, he wasn’t happy as it will effectively end his career with the team that drafted him out of Duke University.

The damage guarantee was also part of the equation.

“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 took place with my agents and (general manager Joe Schoen). “

The Giants have lost five straight and Jones is 3-13 as a starter since signing a four-year, $160 million deal in March 2023. That prompted the switch, even if it wasn’t Jones’ preference.

“Definitely not happy about it. Not what you want to hear. All the feelings you have,” he said. “At the end of the day this is football and we’re in a business where you’re expected to get results and we didn’t. You have to accept that and understand.”

Jones has been the fourth quarterback this week for the Giants behind DeVito, Drew Lock and recently signed Tim Boyle. He spent part of Thursday’s practice as a scout team safety during a review period.

It’s a situation Lock said was strange to see during practice.

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

The Giants would be on the hook for $23 million if Jones were to suffer a serious injury and be unable to pass a physical early next year. It’s a risk the Giants aren’t willing to take under the circumstances.

As for going home (like what happened to Derek Carr two years ago in Las Vegas) or asking for his outright release, both options still appear to be in play for Jones.

“Like I said, I’m still processing and trying to think through what’s best for this team, what’s best for me,” he said.

Meanwhile, he’s also processing that it’s all coming to an end. Admittedly, it has not been easy.

Tears welled up in Jones’ eyes when asked about the support he’s received in recent days from teammates, specifically 2019 draft mates Dexter Lawrence and Darius Slayton.

“Like I said, I’ve built a lot of good relationships 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.”