Daniel Jones probably didn’t think that this was how it would end when he started the 2024 season as the New York Giants starter.
The whole NFL world was left shocked when it saw Daniels playing the safety position with the scout team after getting demoted to the third or fourth position on the Giants quarterback depth chart.
Twenty-four hours after Jones expressed his appreciation for his time as the Giants’ starting quarterback during a press conference, the team announced it’s finally letting him go.
Jerod Mayo Weighs In on the Daniel Jones-Giants Situation
New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo reacted honestly to Jones’ new position as a safety: “Yeah, sometimes just due to numbers — I’ve never seen a quarterback play safety, but sometimes due to numbers, you might have a corner that has to play receiver or a receiver that has to play scout team corner. But nothing as dramatic as a quarterback at safety.”
Jerod Mayo on Giants QB Daniel Jones playing scout team safety on Thursday:
“Yeah, sometimes just due to numbers. I’ve never seen a quarterback play safety, but sometimes due to numbers you might have a corner that has to play receiver or a receiver that has to play scout team…
— Sophie Weller (@sophieewellerr) November 22, 2024
While announcing his release, co-owner John Mara said, “Daniel came to see me this morning and asked if we would release him. We mutually agreed that would be best for him and for the team; Daniel has been a great representative of our organization, first-class in every way.
“His handling of this situation yesterday exemplifies just that. We are all disappointed in how things have worked out. We hold Daniel in high regard and have a great appreciation for him. We wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
The mutually agreed-upon decision was made due to Jones’ poor form this season; an unfortunate injury would have kicked in $23 million guaranteed in 2025, resulting in Jones’ initial benching.
Jones still has $13.8 million due in salary, making it difficult for any team to pick him immediately off of waivers (it would owe $11.8 million to Jones). However, since the Jerry Jones-owned Dallas Cowboys recently lost their quarterback Dak Prescott for the remainder of the season, there might be an opening for the former Giants QB.
NFL analyst Benjamin Solak also pleaded with the owner Jones, requesting that he make the move while he still can and secure the QB Jones as his quarterback.
I don't ask for much, universe. But this one is a big one.
Cowboys QB Daniel Jones v. the Giants on Thanksgiving. PLEASE. https://t.co/BlBQlb7q2g
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) November 22, 2024
“I don’t ask for much, universe. But this one is a big one. Cowboys QB Daniel Jones v. the Giants on Thanksgiving. PLEASE.”
The Giants will now face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an exciting showdown in Week 12.