Quarterback Daniel Jones asked for and was granted his release from the New York Giants on Friday.
“Daniel came to see me this morning and asked if we would release him,” Giants president John Mara said. “We mutually agreed that would be best for him and for the team.
“Daniel has been a great representative of our organization, first class in every way. His handling of this situation yesterday exemplifies just that. We are all disappointed in how things have worked out. We hold Daniel in high regard and have a great appreciation for him. We wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
Jones was demoted to a scout team safety in Thursday’s practice, three days after head coach Brian Daboll made the decision to turn to former undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito as the team’s starting quarterback.
The Giants (2-8) have lost five in a row and reside in the cellar of the NFC East.
“The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true and I am extremely grateful … for the chance to play here,” Jones said Thursday. “The Giants are truly a first-class organization and I have nothing but genuine respect and appreciation for the people who built it and who help carry on the tradition. I’ve met so many special people and created relationships that will truly last a lifetime. Thank you to all my teammates, coaches and staff that have done so much for me these past six years. There have been some great times, but of course we all wish there had been more of those.”
Ranked 32nd among all qualified quarterbacks in passer rating this season, Jones has eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2024. He also carried an injury guarantee worth $23 million for this season that the Giants didn’t want to risk paying only to likely cut ties with him in the offseason.
Jones, 27, was a first-round pick in 2019 and signed a four-year, $160 million contract in 2023. He suffered a season-ending ACL tear last season but returned in time to start the season as the No. 1 quarterback. He was benched with a record of 3-13 over his past 16 starts.
The remainder of Jones’ contract partially can be wiped off the books with his release before March 2025.
“I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins. No one wanted to win more games worse than me and I gave everything I had on the field and in my preparation,” Jones continued. “Of course, this season has been disappointing for all, and of course I wish I could’ve done more. I’m 100 percent accountable for my part. I did not play well enough, consistently enough help the team get the results. The reality of the NFL is it’s hard to win games and requires consistent performance from everyone involved. We didn’t do that well enough so the idea to change something happens, and I understand.
“I love the game, I love being part of a team and I’m excited for the next opportunity. I know that there’s a lot of good football in front of me and I’m excited about that,” Jones said. “To all fans, I have deep respect and appreciation for your passion and love for the Giants. The fans are huge part of what makes playing for the Giants so special.”