In a dramatic turn of events for the New York Giants, quarterback Daniel Jones has been released following a disastrous 2-8 start to the 2024 NFL season. The announcement came Friday morning after Jones personally requested his release from the organization that selected him sixth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Giants owner John Mara addressed the situation with a diplomatic statement, expressing mutual agreement on the decision while acknowledging the disappointment surrounding Jones’s tenure. “We hold Daniel in high regard and have a great appreciation for him,” Mara stated, marking the end of an era that began with such promise.
The writing was on the wall for Jones after being benched in favor of undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito following the Giants’ crushing 20-17 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers in Munich. This season has been particularly challenging for Jones, who has struggled to find his rhythm, posting modest numbers with 2,070 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions before his release.
Looking ahead, Jones’s NFL journey is far from over. Sources close to the situation indicate the quarterback won’t remain unsigned for long. The timing of his release means he’ll hit waivers and likely clear them by Monday at 4 p.m. ET, primarily due to his substantial remaining contract value – $11.83 million for this season and a guaranteed $23 million for 2024.
Industry insiders, including ESPN’s Adam Schefter, suggest Jones is likely to prioritize joining a playoff contender rather than signing with a struggling team in need of a quarterback. This strategic approach could help Jones rebuild his value while contributing to a team with postseason aspirations.
The Giants, meanwhile, will move forward with DeVito under center as they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, looking to salvage something from what has become a lost season. This quarterback change represents not just the end of the Daniel Jones era in New York, but also signals a significant shift in the Giants’ long-term offensive planning.
For Jones, who reflected on his Giants tenure Thursday saying, “This season has been disappointing for all and of course I wish I could have done more,” the opportunity for a fresh start awaits. As the NFL’s quarterback carousel continues to spin, all eyes will be on where the former Giants signal-caller lands next.
