The 2024 season for the New York Giants was anything but a success. From releasing quarterback Daniel Jones after signing him to a $160 million contract nearly two years ago, to losing a franchise-record 10 straight games and watching their two best players on both sides of the ball have career years with their new teams, there really isn’t a whole lot of positives to look back on.
Their miserable 3-14 season also happened to coincide with Big Blue celebrating their 100th season as an NFL franchise, which could not have come at a worse time since there wasn’t much to celebrate this season.
Now, as New York heads into the offseason with both Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen expected to return to hopefully fix this mess, these three players on the Giants were certainly factors in the team’s brutal 2024 campaign and failed to live up to expectations.
3 players who failed to live up to expectations for the G-Men in 2024
3. Jalin Hyatt, WR
Even though it wasn’t his call to not play the majority of the snaps throughout the Giants’ season, it was still a disappointing second season for wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. After showing significant strides and promise during his rookie season, a breakout sophomore season seemed certain. That was obviously not the case.
During his rookie season in 2023, despite not recording a touchdown, Hyatt had 23 receptions for 373 yards and also recorded his first career 100-yard game during a Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots, which resulted in him winning the NFL's Pepsi Offensive Rookie of the Week. This year, however, the 23-year-old wideout had just eight receptions total on the season for 62 yards with no touchdowns and went six games without a catch.
It was a puzzling season for Hyatt, who has shown so much potential during his limited time on the field. While it wasn’t his choice to not play the majority of the snaps during the season, you can’t help but say how disappointing the 2024 season was for Jalin Hyatt. Could it be his last as a Giant?
2. Deonte Banks, CB
After showing some promise during his rookie season, cornerback Deonte Banks put together a disappointing sophomore campaign. After the team used their first-round draft selection on him during the 2023 NFL Draft and he followed that up with two interceptions in 15 games, the 2024 campaign was a rough one for the young cornerback.
Banks’ second year in the league will be defined by multiple moments that he and the Giants will not be proud of. From being hurdled by running back Najee Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a Week 8 matchup to being benched for a lack of effort, his second season as a Giant was definitely a concern.
On the season, Banks did not record a single interception, and Pro Football Focus gave the young cornerback a woeful 50.9 overall grade. For a Giants secondary that saw Pro Bowl safety Xavier McKinney leave in free agency to the Green Bay Packers, it was crucial for Banks to show he was worth the first-round selection. Unfortunately, his second year at the pro level was disappointing, and it would not be a surprise if he’s on a short leash in 2025.
1. Daniel Jones, QB
The now-former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was bound to have a difficult season in 2024, especially after coming off a torn ACL and losing his best offensive weapon, Saquon Barkley, in free agency. Keeping him to start the season proved to be a massive failure, and there’s no question his season—and his tenure in New York—was a disappointment.
Jones passed for just 2,087 yards in 2024 with a terrible eight touchdowns-to-seven interceptions ratio, which led to him eventually being benched and then released in November. Jones simply could not prove he was worth the $40 million per year in his new contract, as he went 3-16 after signing that deal.
You can blame the lack of talent and poor offensive line in front of Jones for his woes this season and throughout his six years playing for Big Blue. However, his lack of production and decision-making this year makes him the most disappointing player for the New York Giants in 2024.