Daniel Jones leaves Kyler Murray as the only 2019 draft QB hit

On By Littum

Daniel Jones’ NFL story isn’t completely written, but it The New York Giants’ decision to bench and then release their quarterback Friday puts an ax to any remaining hope that he would be the face of the franchise.

It cemented that only one quarterback in the 2019 NFL Draft has developed into a starter without question. That would be the Arizona Cardinals’ no. 1 pick Kyler Murray, whose then-risky picks by then-general manager Steve Keim have paid off.

Jones was the second quarterback off the board at sixth overall. Arizona even used a top-30 visit before selecting Murray to get a feel for the other top QB prospect before this draft.

New York said this week it was benching Jones in favor of third-stringer Tommy DeVito, but Jones’ pre-written statement during his press availability telegraphed his time with the Giants nearing its end.

“Daniel came to see me this morning and asked if we would release him,” Giants president John Mara said in a statement released Friday. “We mutually agreed that it would be best for him and for the team. Daniel has been a great representative of our organization, first class in every way.”

To reminisce, here’s a look at the rest of the 2019 quarterback class and quick notes on where each signal caller has been since entering the NFL.

Kyler Murray, Daniels Jones and all quarterbacks selected in the 2019 NFL Draft

1 overall — Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray, Arizona

He’s still here! Murray came through growing pains and a too-public contract negotiation process that included the since-deleted homework clause and is back in the mix as a darkhorse MVP candidate this year. He has thrown for 17,705 yards in his NFL career.

Total no. 6 — Duke’s Daniel Jones, New York Giants

Jones hasn’t made more than a flash over 70 games. His 2022 season was statistically his best, good for a 62.9 QBR, which was sixth in the NFL that season. His 92.5 passer rating was 13th that season. The last two years under Brian Daboll have not been nearly as good.

Total no. 15 — Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins, Washington

Haskins’ story is tragic. He was killed while crossing a road in Florida during a practice trip with his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates in 2021. The quarterback struggled for two years with Washington after being drafted and was released for a fresh start. He got that with the Steelers, but didn’t get a chance to play for them.

42 overall — Missouri’s Drew Lock, Denver

Lock didn’t work out in Denver and was part of the Russell Wilson trade with the Seattle Seahawks. There he got lost behind Geno Smith and this offseason signed with New York to back up Jones. He will be DeVito’s backup this first week without Jones.

No. 100 overall — West Virginia’s Will Grier, Carolina

Grier is still hanging around in the NFL and has bounced around to six teams. He is on another run with the Dallas Cowboys as a practice squad player.

Total no. 104 — NC State’s Ryan Finley, Cincinnati

A Paradise Valley High School product, Finley appeared in eight games during the 2019-20 seasons with the Bengals. He was traded in 2021 to the Houston Texans and waived.

Total no. 133 — Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham, New England

He has made 18 starts in five years with the Patriots, Raiders and Broncos and is currently the backup to rookie Bo Nix in Denver.

Total no. 166 — North Dakota State’s Easton Stick, Los Angeles Chargers

Stick has stuck with the Chargers as a backup and has played in six games and thrown for 1,133 yards in the NFL.

Total no. 167 — Northwestern’s Clayton Thorson, Philadelphia

Thorson played for three NFC East teams but never appeared in an NFL game and last played for the USFL’s Houston Gamblers in 2022.

Total no. 178 — Washington State’s Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville

Minshew Mania was a thing in his rookie season, and he has thrown for 11,720 career yards, third-most in this quarterback class behind Murray and Jones (14,582). Minshew has thrown 67 touchdowns to 33 picks, a better ratio than Jones’ 70-to-47. His career passer rating is 88.9 to Jones’ 84.3.

Total no. 197 —Penn State’s Trace McSorley, Baltimore

McSorley appeared in nine games between the Ravens and Cardinals from 2019-22. He made six appearances for Arizona with Murray out with an ACL injury in 2022. He was last with the Commanders but was waived in August.

Undrafted — Buffalo’s Tyree Jackson, Buffalo

He entered the NFL as a quarterback, left for the XFL after being cut before his rookie year, and returned to the NFL in 2021 as a tight end. Jackson in 2021 played sparingly to record three catches for 22 yards and a score with the Eagles and was last with the Giants in camp.

Undrafted — Boise State’s Brett Rypien, Broncos

He is a backup on Minnesota’s roster currently and has been on five teams. He has played in 10 games between the Broncos (2020-22) and the Rams (2023).

Undrafted — Washington’s Jake Browning, Vikings

Browning played for Minnesota (2019-20) and then jumped to Cincinnati, where he remains Joe Burrows’ backup. He has 11 games and seven starts under his belt with the Bengals.