“I wanted to play”: Daniel Jones delivered a respectful message to the Giants and their fanbase amid the aftermath of their QB change | NFL News – Times of India

The New York Giants have benched Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito following a 2-8 record and with the player having a guaranteed injury clause in his contract. The move is the best way for the team to ensure Jones’ health as well as not lose him moving forward with a big cap hit. The first person to speak to the media since his benching was Jones, who spent the day as the scout team safety. He spoke about his role and how he appreciates the organization and fan base for his seasons with the Giants.

Daniel Jones made a classy statement to the Giants and fans after being benched

The New York Giants benched Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito for several reasons, one being his contract in 2023. As if to prove this point, Jones himself confirmed that an injury guarantee in his contract was indeed a contributing factor for this demotion. Several factors influenced this decision. “Yeah, I think [the injury guarantee] was a piece of the conversation, for sure. I wanted to play, wanted to play badly and do what I could to play, but I think it was a part of it. Most of those discussions took place with my agents and Joe [Schoen],” explained Jones.

Jones also delivered a well-prepared statement expressing his gratitude to the organization and fanbase for his successful seasons with the franchise. “The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true,” Jones said at the podium. “I’m extremely grateful to the Mara and Tisch families for the chance to play here. The Giants are truly a first-class organization and I have nothing but genuine respect and appreciation for the people who have built it and who help carry on that tradition. I 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 the past six years.”
He added, “There have been some great times, but of course, we all wish there had been 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 preparation. Of course this season has been disappointing for all, and of course I wish I could’ve done more. I’m 100% accountable for my part. I did not play well enough, consistently enough, to help the team get the results.”
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Jones signed a four-year, $160 million deal with the Giants, which included an injury guarantee of $23 million for the 2025 season. By slotting him third on their depth chart, the Giants erased the risk of having to pay him $23 million next year. Jones’ potential contract termination at the end of this season could result in $22.2 million in dead cap next year. Cutting him would save the team around $19 million, as he is due to carry a $41.6 million cap hit in ’25.