The New York Giants’ messy divorce from quarterback Daniel Jones has taken another shocking turn. According to NBC Sports’ Mike Florio, the Giants asked Jones to stay home after benching him ahead of Week 11. When Jones chose to stay with the team, the organization altered his workout program, prohibiting him from throwing and limiting his practice role.
Jones was reportedly relegated to a scout safety role, taking individual reps behind Tommy DeVito, Drew Lock, and practice squad quarterback Tim Boyle. These actions appear to have been aimed at reducing the risk of injury and avoiding the activation of a $23 million guarantee in his contract for 2025. Four days after being benched, Jones requested and was granted his release.
The Giants’ Mishandling of Daniel Jones Reaches New Heights
The latest revelations add another layer of dysfunction to an already chaotic saga. Rather than addressing the situation transparently, the Giants seemingly tried to sideline Jones in a way that would save them from any further financial obligations. By benching him, the team made it clear he was no longer part of their future.
Jones’ Fall from Grace is Hard to Ignore
Just last year, the Giants signed Jones to a four-year, $160 million deal, entrusting him to lead the franchise. Now, less than two seasons later, he was not only demoted but also stripped of meaningful practice reps. For a player who had already lost his starting job to undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito, the indignity of being used as a practice safety was a low point in his career.
The Decision to Limit Jones’ Participation Was Likely Informed by Precedent
In 2006, the Tennessee Titans attempted to block quarterback Steve McNair from using team facilities to avoid triggering an injury guarantee. An arbitrator ruled that teams cannot deny players access to facilities while they remain under contract. The Giants seemingly followed the letter of the law but chose a method that ensured Jones would remain sidelined without breaking any rules.
The Giants’ Handling of Jones’ Exit Raises Serious Questions
While Jones’ release allowed him to move on, the Giants’ handling of the situation raises serious questions about the team’s leadership. From benching their former franchise quarterback to relegating him to a scout safety role, the organization has once again shown a lack of direction.
For fans, the handling of Jones’ exit reflects a broader problem. The Giants are now 2-10, with zero hope of turning their season around. Instead of focusing on building a brighter future, the team seems mired in mismanagement and controversy.
Jones, now with the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad, has a chance to reset his career. Meanwhile, the Giants are left with another black mark on their already disastrous 2024 season, serving as yet another reminder of the dysfunction plaguing the franchise.