Daniel Jones’ time with the New York Giants has hit its breaking point. After six seasons of inconsistent play, mounting turnovers, and underwhelming results, the Giants have made the decision to bench their former franchise quarterback.
Once envisioned as the answer under center, Jones’ struggles this season, just eight touchdown passes against seven interceptions and a 2-8 record, have made it painfully clear that he’s no longer part of the team’s future.
For a franchise desperate to rebuild, moving on from Jones is the logical next step. His $23 million injury guarantee for 2025 looms as a financial anchor the Giants can’t afford to trigger in a season already lost. While Jones showed flashes of potential early in his career, his inability to elevate the offense, coupled with constant injuries, has left the team with no choice but to pivot.
The decision to turn to Tommy DeVito might not inspire confidence, but it sends a clear message: the Giants are closing the book on Daniel Jones.
Daniel Jones and the NY Giants have had an awkward relationship from the start
The relationship between Jones and the Giants has always been complicated.
Drafted sixth overall in 2019, Jones came with high expectations but never fully delivered on them. Even after a promising 2022 season that saw the team make the playoffs, there were clear signs that the front office wasn’t sold on him as the long-term answer.
Those doubts became glaringly public during Hard Knocks this past offseason when general manager Joe Schoen openly discussed exploring quarterback options in the draft. While the Giants ultimately stayed at No. 6 and selected wide receiver Malik Nabers, the idea that the team was considering moving up for a quarterback hung over the locker room.
“It was like flirting with someone new while your date is still at the table,” one source told Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports. For Jones, it was an unmistakable sign that the team’s commitment to him was wavering.
Sources: While ownership has suggested he’ll return, there is a growing sense that #Giants HC Brian Daboll is coaching for his job over the final seven games.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 18, 2024
That’s part of why he chose Tommy DeVito over Drew Lock as the starting QB.
More info: The relationship between Daniel… pic.twitter.com/PDhcuAJOS8
Jones himself admitted the situation wasn’t easy. “You’re not excited about it, but they have a job to do. You know, it is what it is... But it’s not a fun conversation,” he said.
Giants QB Daniel Jones on the conversation -- which wasn't shown on Hard Knocks -- when GM Joe Schoen said he might try to trade up for a QB in the draft:
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) July 24, 2024
"You're not excited about it, but they have a job to do. You know, it is what it is. ... But it's not a fun conversation." pic.twitter.com/DX1FD4GY0i
The awkwardness deepened this season as Jones struggled to lead the team to significant wins. Head coach Brian Daboll attempted to explain the decision to bench him in favor of DeVito by stating, “We made a decision based on evaluating tape to go with Tommy.” However, the reality seems more strategic.
DeVito is unlikely to provide a better chance of winning than Drew Lock, the more experienced backup. Instead, this move appears to be aimed at ensuring the Giants maintain their position for a top draft pick while also protecting themselves from Jones’ costly injury guarantee.
This awkward dynamic has defined Jones’ tenure in New York. Despite some early flashes of promise, his time as the team’s starter never lived up to expectations. Now, as the Giants look toward a new quarterback and Jones searches for his next opportunity, the end of this relationship feels like a long-overdue conclusion to an ill-fated era.