In what’s shaping up to be a pivotal season for the New York Giants, ESPN’s Adam Schefter has hinted big changes may be on the horizon. His latest remarks about quarterback Daniel Jones left little room for interpretation: “I would GUESS Daniel Jones never plays another snap for the Giants.”
"I would GUESS Daniel Jones never plays another snap for the #Giants" @AdamSchefter's guess today is the Daniel Jones experience in New York is over. pic.twitter.com/HKEgjUYgWn
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) November 12, 2024
With the Giants sitting at a dismal 2-8 and heading into their bye week, the future of Jones and the direction of the team under GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are under intense scrutiny.
The Giants had high hopes for Jones after signing him to a massive extension, but this season has been a series of disappointments for the former first-round pick. Jones has shown flashes over his career, but his inability to deliver consistently, especially in key moments, has been glaring. His recent struggles, including a woeful performance against the Carolina Panthers in Munich, have reignited benching rumors and opened the door for Schoen and Daboll to potentially turn to backup options like Drew Lock or Tommy DeVito for the rest of the season.
For Jones, the stakes couldn’t be higher. His contract includes a $23 million injury guarantee, meaning that if he suffers a major injury, the Giants will owe him that amount in 2025. Given the season’s direction, protecting their financial future could be the final push Schoen and Daboll need to make a change at quarterback after the bye.
Daniel Jones’ days as the NY Giants’ starter could be numbered
With Schefter’s comments adding fuel to the fire, it’s clear the Giants are evaluating their options at quarterback and considering moving on from Jones sooner rather than later.
Despite some improvements in their offensive line and added playmakers like Malik Nabers, Jones has been unable to elevate his game or capitalize on these upgrades.
His lackluster performances have been costly, contributing to New York’s stagnant offense and directly impacting their chances to compete in close games.
The loss to Carolina epitomized the issues surrounding Jones. The Giants were up against one of the league’s weakest defenses, yet Jones struggled to move the ball effectively, missing key throws and ultimately leading the team to zero points in the first half. A costly red zone interception, which was tipped and picked off, was just one example of his inability to deliver in crucial situations. Giants fans have grown increasingly frustrated, especially as the team’s record continues to plummet with Jones at the helm.
Brian Daboll asked if Daniel Jones is still the starting quarterback. Won't say yes. Only that they are "evaluating things." #Giants
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) November 11, 2024
The financial risk of continuing to play Jones is no small matter either. Given his injury guarantee, there’s a strong case for benching him for the remainder of the season to avoid any chance of having to pay that $23 million in 2025. Similar to the Broncos’ handling of Russell Wilson’s contract, the Giants could look to protect their cap space by minimizing Jones’s snaps and preserving their future financial flexibility.
As the Giants look ahead, the end of the “Daniel Jones era” appears all but certain. While Jones has been a committed leader, his on-field limitations are hard to overlook. If the Giants are heading toward another rebuild, as many expect, finding a new franchise quarterback will be a top priority.
And for Jones, Schefter’s statement may indeed mark the beginning of the end of his time in New York.