Current No. 3 quarterback Daniel Jones lined up as a scout team safety in Thursday's practice in the surest sign to date that he's done with the New York Giants.
Jones read a prepared statement, saying he wanted to make sure he clearly shared the words and sentiment he felt needed to be aired after losing the starting job to former undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito.
In his first public comments on the decision made by head coach Brian Daboll after a team meeting on Monday, Jones spoke in the past tense about his time with the Giants (2-8), a strong signal that a professional divorce is imminent.
"The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true and I am extremely grateful ... for the chance to play here," Jones said Thursday. "The Giants are truly a first-class organization and I have nothing but genuine respect and appreciation for the people who built it and who help carry on the tradition. I've met so many special people and created relationships that will truly last a lifetime. Thank you to all my teammates, coaches and staff that have done so much for me these past six years. There have been some great times, but of course we all wish there had been more of those."
Ranked 32nd among all qualified quarterbacks in passer rating this season, Jones has eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2024. He also carries an injury guarantee worth $23 million for this season that the Giants likely don't want to risk paying only to cut ties with him in the offseason.
Jones, 27, was a first-round pick in 2019 and signed a four-year, $160 million contract in 2023. He suffered a season-ending ACL tear last season but returned in time to start the season as the No. 1 quarterback. He was benched with a record of 3-13 over his past 16 starts.
The remainder of Jones' contract can be partially wiped off the books if he's released before March 2025.
"I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins. No one wanted to win more games worse than me and I gave everything I had on the field and in my preparation," Jones continued. "Of course, this season has been disappointing for all, and of course I wish I could've done more. I'm 100 percent accountable for my part. I did not play well enough, consistently enough help the team get the results. The reality of the NFL is it's hard to win games and requires consistent performance from everyone involved. We didn't do that well enough so the idea to change something happens, and I understand.
"I love the game, I love being part of a team and I'm excited for the next opportunity. I know that there's a lot of good football in front of me and I'm excited about that," Jones said. "To all fans, I have deep respect and appreciation for your passion and love for the Giants. The fans are huge part of what makes playing for the Giants so special."
Asked about his statement being written past-tense, Jones said he's still processing the bigger picture.
"I think I'm still processing and, for now, I'm doing the best I can to help (quarterback) Tommy (DeVito) prepare, help the team prepare. That's what I'm going to do right now. So, processing that," Jones said.
"Obviously, a decision was made and I'm not playing. That's what that was framed as."