Daniel Jones might not have to suffer the indignity of being the Giants’ fourth-string quarterback for much longer.
Answering questions Thursday for the first time since he was demoted earlier this week to end a disappointing six-year run as the starter, Jones essentially said goodbye to the Giants.
But he stopped short of admitting that he might leave the team before the end of the season.
Jones appears to be behind new starter Tommy DeVito, backup Drew Lock and even new practice-squad addition Tim Boyle on the depth chart because the Giants do not want to risk playing him and activating the $23 million injury guarantee in his contract.
“I’m still processing … how this decision was made and not playing,” Jones said, his voice cracking at times over the course of 11 minutes. “For now, I’m doing the best I can to help Tommy and the team prepare.”
The normally unflappable Jones opened by reading from a 90-second prepared statement during which he thanked owners, teammates, coaches, fans and staff.
He used the past tense when he said “the opportunity to play for the Giants was truly a dream come true.”
“There have been some great times, but, of course, we all wish there had been more of those,” Jones said. “I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins. No one wanted to win those games worse than me. I gave everything I had.”
Jones’ practice workload Thursday included slipping on a pinny and lining up as a scout-team safety during offensive install periods.
It’s not unusual for offensive players who are not playing Sunday to lend a hand in that walking/jogging situation, but it is unusual for a $160 million investment to be reduced to it.
Why is Jones not merely the No. 2 quarterback? Start with the clause that if Jones cannot pass a physical by March, then the Giants’ dead-salary-cap charge for cutting him jumps from $22.2 million to $45.2 million — a nightmare for general manager Joe Schoen.
“I have the injury guarantee, so that’s that,” Jones said. “They don’t want to take any risks. At that point, it’s just do as you’re told.”
Whether the Giants give permission to Jones, 27, to return home or release him really is the only remaining question.
He declined to say if he will ask for his release or whether the Giants asked him to waive his injury guarantee before benching him.
Derek Carr left the Raiders but Russell Wilson stayed with the Broncos in past similar situations tied to injury guarantees.
“I wanted to play badly,” Jones said. “I think I tried to do as much as I could to make that possible and create a situation where we were both comfortable. Most of those discussions went on with my agent and Joe. I want to be on the field, but it’s the unfortunate business side of the game.”
For salary-cap purposes, there is essentially no difference between releasing Jones today or any other day before March 12, when the new league year begins.
The Giants could gain a small amount of immediate salary-cap space by cutting Jones because his salary offsets and a new team would pay him the league minimum.
But the Giants (2-8) run a potentially embarrassing risk of Jones signing with a team on their schedule and beating them head-to-head over the final seven games — like if he joined the Cowboys and supplanted Cooper Rush before Thanksgiving or teamed with Saquon Barkley on the Eagles and played in Week 18 as their starters rest for the playoffs.
“I know that there is a lot of good football in front of me,” Jones said. “I’m excited about that.”
The Giants have the NFL’s lowest-scoring offense (15.6 points per game), and Jones’ play alone warranted a benching (3-13 over his last 16 starts).
But teammates have taken the blame for the Giants’ failures, with Dexter Lawrence even calling Jones “QB1” despite DeVito starting Sunday against the Buccaneers.
“I’ve created a lot of great relationships here with the guys here and definitely appreciate the support,” Jones said in his most emotional moment. “But, it’s about the team and what’s best for the team. I know the guys will be ready to go.”
The former first-round draft pick never returned to the level he reached in 2022, when he led the Giants to 10 wins, including the playoffs, and was rewarded with an extension that ultimately will pay him $82 million over two years.
The Giants made other excuses (offensive line, receivers, coaching changes) for the team’s struggles during most of Jones’ time, going 24-44-1 before pulling the plug and looking toward the 2025 draft for his replacement.
“They’re looking to change things up. That was what was communicated,” Jones said. “Definitely not happy about it. Not what you want to hear. All those emotions you have. We’re in a business where you’re expected to get results, and we weren’t doing it. Have got to accept it and understand.”
Jones admitted that the possibility of getting benched was “maybe a little bit in the back of [my] mind” after the Giants lost to the lowly Panthers in overtime.
Giants fans have booed Jones and the offense at every home game (five losses) this season.
“To all the fans, I have deep respect and appreciation for your passion and love for the Giants,” Jones said. “The fans are a huge part of what makes playing for the Giants so special.”