New York Giants release Daniel Jones following a $160 million contract gamble as team shifts focus to Tommy DeVito at Quarterback | NFL News – Times of India

The New York Giants have officially parted ways with quarterback Daniel Jones, marking the end of a tumultuous six-year tenure. The decision, which came after Jones requested a release, brings an abrupt conclusion to a career that was once filled with promise. The Giants, who are currently languishing at the bottom of the NFC East, have been struggling this season. Jones’s benching earlier this week was a clear indication of the team’s lack of faith in him.

Giants cut ties with Daniel Jones just days after benching him for Tommy DeVito

This decision comes on the heels of a difficult 2024 season, where the Giants stand at a dismal 2-8, with the franchise looking ahead to a fresh start. Jones’ release, confirmed Friday, followed a meeting where the 27-year-old quarterback personally requested to be let go after being demoted to the fourth string. Despite having the option to retain Jones for the remainder of the season, the Giants opted to honor his request. Reflecting on the situation, team owner John Mara highlighted Jones’ professionalism and expressed disappointment over the outcome of his tenure.
In a statement on the Giants website, Mara said Friday, “Daniel came to see me this morning and asked if we would release him. 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.”

The quarterback’s fall from grace is a stark contrast to the optimism surrounding his selection as the sixth overall pick out of Duke University in 2019. Though he showed promise, his career in New York saw limited success, culminating in just one playoff appearance and a lackluster 24-45-1 record as a starter. The 2022 season had been a standout moment for Jones, earning him a lucrative four-year, $160 million extension after leading the Giants to the playoffs. However, recurring injuries, including a torn ACL in 2024, derailed his momentum.
Addressing the media before his release, Jones offered a candid perspective on his struggles, emphasizing the business side of football. “But at the end of the day, this is football. We’re in a business where you’re expected to get results, and we weren’t doing it,” he said.
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With Jones’ departure, the Giants are poised for a significant rebuild. The move is expected to free up $20 million in salary cap space, paving the way for potential changes, including a likely quarterback selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito is set to start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, signaling a new chapter for the embattled franchise.