Giants’ Major Shakeup: Daniel Jones Released as Team Embraces New Era
In a significant turn of events that has sent ripples through the NFL, the New York Giants have officially parted ways with quarterback Daniel Jones, marking the end of an era that began with high hopes in the 2019 NFL Draft. The decision comes as the team continues to navigate through a challenging 2-8 season, with rookie Tommy DeVito taking the reins as the new starter.
Former teammate and current Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley supported Jones following the announcement. “Sucks to see how everything went down for him over there,” Barkley commented, maintaining their friendship despite now playing for rival teams. “You won’t find anyone to say negative things about him.”
The release of Jones highlights a broader narrative about the 2019 quarterback draft class. Only Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals has emerged as an undisputed starter among all quarterbacks selected that year. Murray, the first overall pick, has thrown for an impressive 17,705 yards in his NFL career and currently stands as a dark horse MVP candidate.
Dexter Lawrence, the Giants’ All-Pro defensive tackle and Jones’ draft classmate, is helping lead the team through this transition. “It’s part of the business, and I understand that part,” Lawrence reflected. “I feel for Daniel; he works hard and is a great, relatable dude. It just sucks.”
The decision to release Jones came after he was demoted to third string on the depth chart. Giants president John Mara revealed that Jones initiated the conversation about his release. “Daniel came to see me this morning and asked if we would release him,” Mara stated. “We mutually agreed that would be best for him and the team.”
Looking at Jones’ career numbers, he leaves New York having thrown for 14,582 yards with 70 touchdowns and 47 interceptions. His best season came in 2022, when he posted a QBR of 62.9, ranking sixth in the NFL that year.
The Giants’ locker room appears to be handling the transition professionally, with Lawrence noting, “I haven’t seen a flinch, or I haven’t seen any discouragement. I haven’t seen guys fall apart.” The team is rallying behind DeVito, their new starter, as they look to salvage what remains of their season.
The move marks a significant shift in the Giants’ quarterback strategy and raises questions about the team’s future direction. For Jones, who led the Giants to their first playoff win since Super Bowl XLVI just two years ago, the release offers an opportunity for a fresh start elsewhere in the league.
As the Giants move forward with DeVito under center, they maintain their position as the NFL’s leaders in sacks, with Lawrence continuing to anchor their defensive efforts. The team faces the challenge of rebuilding while maintaining competitive spirit through their remaining seven games.