What’s next for Daniel Jones after classy split with Giants? NFL executives weigh in
The league noticed the way Jones handled his exit, and there are ample reasons to believe he can bounce back elsewhere
By Jori Epstein, Senior reporter
As Daniel Jones stepped up to the podium Thursday, he had options.
The New York Giants’ 2019 first-round pick had officially been benched, demoted in one week from first-string quarterback to fourth. The $23 million injury guarantee from his 2025 salary hung heavy in the air. So, too, did the Giants’ 2-8 record.
“I wrote something down just to make sure I say it the right way,” Jones began his opening remarks for a press appearance he could have easily avoided.
But what would he say?
He could have finally, after months (or years) taking the high road, questioned the Giants’ decision to publicly air their skepticism about him on an offseason edition of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” docuseries.
He could have blamed the Giants for sending him to work this season in an environment where everyone was acutely aware management did not believe Jones was up for the task, and he could have blamed them for the role franchise dysfunction contributed to his disappointing tenure.
Jones could have pointed to the Giants’ struggles to build an offensive line that would minimize the injuries he ultimately sustained. And he could have questioned team ownership and front office decisions that paired him with three different head coaches in his first four seasons.
Instead, Jones publicly thanked the Giants — a day before they would announce his release.
“The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true and I’m extremely grateful to the Mara and Tisch families for the chance to play here,” he said. “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 helped carry on that tradition.”
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