Nov 10, 2024; Munich, Germany; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the second half during the 2024 NFL Munich Game at Allianz Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Members of the New York Giants are reportedly upset about the decision to bench quarterback Daniel Jones.
According to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the move has sparked “disappointment” within the organization, with players believing it was “primarily a financial decision.”
“He’s the QB1. To me, he’s the best quarterback on the team,” said offensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
One player, speaking anonymously to Schultz, expressed deeper frustrations.
“We’re not idiots. They did it because of money. So be it,” the player stated. “But Daniel has been all class, never complained, and is now being completely disregarded. The team record is bad. You can point fingers everywhere. To try to blame him is trash, and making him third string is weak as f–k.”
Head coach Brian Daboll confirmed he had spoken with the quarterbacks on Monday, noting that Jones wanted to remain the starter. However, he declined to comment on discussions with co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch.
As the Giants struggle through a 2-8 season, they face tough decisions about the futures of Jones, Daboll, and general manager Joe Schoen, all of whom joined the team in 2022.
By benching Jones, the Giants avoid financial risks
Keeping Jones off the field reduces the risk of him suffering an injury that could guarantee $23 million of his contract next season. The quarterback, drafted sixth overall in 2019, will remain with the team for the rest of the season, according to Daboll.
This approach mirrors the Las Vegas Raiders’ decision to part ways with Derek Carr after benching him late last season.
Daboll reflected on the difficult conversations he had with Jones. “We had a talk right before the meeting today,” he said.
“Never easy. Got a lot of respect for how he goes about his business, for how Drew does for how he does. Those aren’t easy conversations.”
Hints of a potential change emerged after the Giants’ overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers on November 10, during their trip to Germany. During the bye week, the coaching staff reviewed game footage and ultimately made the decision to move in a new direction.
Should the Giants draft Jones’ replacement?
An NFL scout questioned via NY Post the wisdom of drafting a replacement. “Isn’t that how they got in this situation in the first place?” he asked, referring to the Giants’ decision to draft Jones sixth overall in 2019, as Eli Manning neared retirement and Justin Herbert returned to school.
The Giants’ looming quarterback debate hinges on several factors: draft position, the number of first-round-worthy quarterbacks, and alternatives if the team decides not to select one immediately. This raises broader questions about the risks of drafting quarterbacks to meet immediate needs.
“Need drives the quarterback market because people aren’t disciplined,” an NFL executive explained. “Patience comes when you have options. What happens is teams have no options when they get to the draft, so they start throwing darts. You have to solve the problem, but you don’t have to take a swing on something you are not convicted on.”
Limited quarterback options in the 2024 draft
ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller sees first-round potential in only two quarterbacks: Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward, both projected as top-10 picks. With multiple teams in search of new quarterbacks, the competition for top prospects will be fierce.
Jones has two years left on his contract, earning $30 million in 2025 and $46.5 million in 2026. His deal includes a clause guaranteeing $23 million if he cannot pass a physical next March due to injury.
If he remains on the roster through the fifth day of the 2025 league year, an additional $12 million of his salary will become guaranteed. Releasing or trading Jones this offseason would result in a $22.21 million cap hit, though designating him as a post-June 1 transaction would allow the Giants to spread that cost across two seasons.
While Daniel Jones is not the sole cause of the Giants’ struggles, benching him does offer financial relief. However, this decision has clearly struck a nerve with players.
Jones recorded 2,070 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his sixth season with the Giants before the team benched him. The team will now start Tommy DeVito, with Drew Lock serving as backup.
Read More: Daniel Jones’ potential landing spots after Giants bench him for Tommy DeVito
Image: Imagn Images
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