New York Giants Release Quarterback Daniel Jones Amidst Disappointing Season

The New York Giants have announced the release of quarterback Daniel Jones. Initial reports of the release surfaced on Friday, with the official cut taking place on Saturday, a strategic move that may potentially save the team $11.83 million. Should a contending team lose a starting quarterback to injury, they might claim Jones off waivers, assuming his $23 million injury guarantee for 2025. If this situation arises, the Giants would be absolved of further financial obligations to Jones.

The decision adds to the woes of what has been a tumultuous season for both Jones and the Giants. This follows a particularly challenging 2023 season plagued by injuries for Jones, and a dismal performance in 2024, which has led the Giants to a 2-8 standing ahead of their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In November alone, Jones had a notable defeat against the Carolina Panthers in Munich.

Once considered a rising star alongside running back Saquon Barkley, Jones had his career highlight in 2022, throwing for 3,200 yards and leading the Giants to a playoff surprise against the Minnesota Vikings. That season’s success earned him a substantial contract, but subsequent performances fell short of expectations.

Since signing the lucrative deal, Jones posted a 3-13 record, with 10 touchdowns against 13 interceptions, missing much of the 2023 season due to a neck injury. Compounding the Giants’ troubles, Barkley, a key offensive player, departed in free agency for the Philadelphia Eagles, further hampering Jones’ effectiveness.

The shift with Jones comes amidst criticism directed at the Giants’ management and coaching staff, including Head Coach Brian Daboll and General Manager Joe Schoen. The team’s attempt to replicate the success of their 2022 postseason seemed to crumble, leading to questions about the decisions that led them to this point.

Across the league, a shake-up among high-profile quarterbacks is underway. Notably, the Denver Broncos released Russell Wilson following a period of underperformance, and the Cleveland Browns continue to manage the controversial Deshaun Watson amid legal scrutiny. The New York Jets, having endorsed Aaron Rodgers in hopes of ending a lengthy Super Bowl drought, face challenges after a tumultuous season.

Jones’ future remains uncertain as free agency looms. Speculation suggests possibilities ranging from joining the Dallas Cowboys, who need a quarterback due to Dak Prescott’s injury, to ending up elsewhere in the league. As Jason Page, host of «SportsWrap w/Jason Page,» remarks, «NFL quarterbacks fly closest to the sun, but some inevitably fall back down to Earth. Hard.»