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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones broke his silence on being benched while addressing reporters on Thursday (November 21).
Jones, a former first-round pick who signed a four-year, $160 million extension in 2023, was demoted to fourth-string quarterback behind Tommy DeVito, backup Drew Lock and practice-squad addition Tim Boyle earlier this week.
“I’m still processing … how this decision was made and not playing,” Jones said via the New York Post. “For now, I’m doing the best I can to help Tommy and the team prepare.”
Jones thanked Giants team owners, coaches, fans and staff in his prepared 90-second statement, using the past tense while discussing “the opportunity to play for the Giants," which he said "was truly a dream come true."
“There have been some great times, but, of course, we all wish there had been more of those,” Jones said. “I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins. No one wanted to win those games worse than me. I gave everything I had.”
Jones has gone 2-8 as a starter in 2024, throwing for 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions on 216 of 341 passing and has a career record of 24-44-1 in 69 starts. The former Duke University standout was selected by the Giants at No. 6 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft and rewarded with a four-year, $160 million extension in 2023 after a career season and playoff victory.
Jones was limited to just six appearances in 2023 and has struggled when healthy, while the team's investment in him ultimately hindered its chances of re-signing running back Saquon Barkley, who instead signed with the NFC East Division rival Philadelphia Eagles and is on pace to have the best season of his career. DeVito went 3-3 in six starts, throwing for 1,101 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions on 114 of 178 passing during his rookie season in 2023.
The Giants will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday (November 24).