Giants QB Daniel Jones laments loss, deals with future

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

Jones had 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 news conference with a prepared statement to get his words right, thanking the team but also articulating 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 am 100% responsible. I did not play well enough to help the team achieve 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 part of the team 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 somewhere else 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 No. 6 overall pick in 2019 as their starting quarterback and turn to DeVito, the 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 last March. It got the switch, even though 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 the recently signed Tim Boyle. He spent part of Thursday’s practice as a scout team safety during a review period.

It’s a situation that Lock explained was “strange” to see during training.

“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, it still seems to be something that is still 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 still processing it all coming to an end. Admittedly, it has not been easy.

Tears welled up in his eyes when asked about the support he’s received in recent days from teammates, specifically his ’19 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,” said a tearful Jones. “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.”

After two more quick questions and brief answers, Jones hurried down from the podium. His Giants career is almost certainly over.