3 days Ago
The New York Giants , for the last time, made a decision on quarterback Daniel Jones. Ahead of Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he was benched for third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito . The team signed veteran quarterback Tim Boyle to add another warm body to the room, and Jones will be a healthy scratch on game day.
He’s thrown his last pass in a Giants uniform. In the midst of his sixth season, his time in New York has run out. © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images But before the formalities take place – it isn’t yet clear if Jones will be released, sent home, or stick around on the sidelines – Jones faced the media.
He did so with a statement in hand, thanking the organization and its fans for the last six seasons. Daniel Jones issues an opening statement after his benching: "The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true" pic.twitter.
com/CHDW0NsHZ7 "The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true," he said . "..
. There have been some great times, but of course we all wish there were more of those. 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 preparations. "Of course, this season has been disappointing for all. And, of course, I wish I could have done more.
I'm 100 percent accountable for my part. I did not play well enough consistently enough to help the team get the results." Jones’ benching quickly became more than a remedy for New York’s dire situation under center.
The Giants, two years into Jones’ four-year extension, can get out of the contract with minimal repercussions after the season. But a $23 million injury clause loomed over Jones’ second half, and if he were to not pass a physical in March, the team would be on the hook for that hefty sum. Related: Can Tommy DeVito Provide Giants With 'Spark?' Thus, he was relegated past being the backup or even the third-string quarterback.
He won’t dress on Sunday when the Buccaneers come to MetLife Stadium. He may not be with the team when it departs to Dallas for Thanksgiving. It’s worth remembering, despite the struggles, that Jones embodied the franchise quarterback role off the field as well as anyone in the sport.
He handled his final chapter in New York with grace and supported DeVito in his second stint as starter. The last six years meant that development was never in doubt. Everyone involved wishes things had gone down differently.
Football is a cruel sport, and for all the storybook endings the league provides, some remain as sad remnants of what could have been. Jones’ NFL career isn’t over. But his time with the Giants is, and it was a somber day in East Rutherford as a result.
Related: Giants Bench Daniel Jones Ahead of Bucs' Matchup.
