The New York Giants will accept quarterback Daniel Jones’ release request, the team announced Friday.
Giants president John Mara said the sides mutually agreed that “it would be best for him and the team” to move forward.
“Daniel has been a great representative of our organization, first-class in every way,” Mara said in a statement. “His handling of this situation yesterday is an example of that. We are all disappointed with how things have turned out.”
Jones would have to clear waivers, though it’s unlikely a team would accept the remainder of the four-year, $160 million contract he signed in March 2023. The Giants would have been stuck for $23 million if Jones had sustained a serious injury and been unable to pass a physical exam early next year. It was a risk the Giants were not willing to take.
New York will assume more than $20 million in dead money with this measure.
The Giants decided to bench Jones during their bye week. Jones addressed the decision Thursday, lamenting not having achieved enough wins while also saying he was still processing his future.
“There have been good moments, but of course we all wish there had been more,” Jones said in a statement. “I take full responsibility on my part for not getting more victories. Nobody 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 everyone and of course I hope I could have done more. I am 100% responsible for my part. I did not play well enough to help the team get results.
“The reality of the NFL is that it’s hard to win games. It requires consistent performance from everyone involved. We didn’t do well enough, so the idea of changing something comes up and I understand it. I love the game, I love being a part of it. of the team. I’m excited for the next opportunity. I know I have a lot of good football ahead of me and I’m excited about that.”
Tommy DeVito will make his first start of the season on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. DeVito won three games as a starter in 2023.
Jones had been the Giants’ starting quarterback for much of the past six years, leading New York to the playoffs and a wild-card victory in 2022. But he had eight touchdown passes with seven interceptions this season for the Giants 2 -8 and was 3-13 as a starter since signing his new contract.
“We hold Daniel in high regard and have great appreciation for him,” Mara said. “We wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
Information from ESPN’s Jordan Raanan was used in this report.
