Daniel Jones shares emotional farewell message to Giants fans: ‘I gave everything I had on the pitch and in my preparation’

On By Littum

Daniel Jones spent parts of Thursday’s practice with the New York Giants working with the scouting team, even lining up at safety during a walkthrough. The sixth-year quarterback was benched this week by head coach Brian Daboll in favor of Tommy DeVito, and before taking questions from reporters, Jones read a prepared statement that sounded like a farewell to the organization.

“The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true and I am extremely grateful to the Mara and Tisch families for the chance to play here,” Jones said. “The Giants are truly a first class organization and I have nothing but true respect and appreciation for the people who built it and who helped carry on that tradition. I have met so many special people and formed relationships that will truly last a lifetime.

“Thank you to all my teammates, coaches and staff who have done so much for me over the last six years. There have been some great times, but of course we all wish there had been more of them. I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more victories No one wanted to win more matches worse than me and I gave everything I had on the court and in my preparation.

“Obviously this season has been disappointing for everybody and obviously I wish I could have done more. I’m 100 percent responsible for my part. I didn’t play well enough consistently enough to help the team get the results. The reality of the NFL is that it’s hard to win games and requires 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 part of a team. I’m excited for the next opportunity and know there’s a lot of good football ahead of me and I’m excited for that.

“To all fans, I have deep respect and appreciation for your passion and love for the Giants. The fans are a big part of what makes playing for the Giants so special.”

The Giants added quarterback Tim Boyle this week, and it appears Jones has been moved to fourth on the depth chart behind DeVito, Drew Lock and Boyle.

Why Jones was scouted has to do with his $23 million injury guarantee for 2025. If the Giants aren’t going to play him over their final seven games, there’s no reason to take a risk and be on the hook for that money next season .

Jones is currently in the second year of a four-year, $160 million contract extension that he signed in March 2023. He has no guaranteed money back after this season, and the Giants would take on $22 million in dead cap space in 2025 and $11 million in 2026 if he is cut after this season.

In six seasons with Jones at quarterback, the Giants are 22-44-1 with one winning season and one playoff appearance — both coming in 2022. He has 70 career touchdown passes and 47 interceptions, along with 26 lost fumbles, and was also sacked 208 times in 70 games.

Jones told reporters he was still processing the decision and is only focusing on this week and not whether he will remain with the team for the final seven weeks of the season.

“Right now I’m doing the best I can to help Tommy prepare, help the team prepare,” Jones said. “That’s what I want to do right now.”