The New York Giants have made the decision to release quarterback Daniel Jones. Jones was benched earlier this week and now will become a free agent.
Jones reportedly requested his release from New York and they will grant it. The veteran will now go through waivers but due to his large contract, he is expected to clear it all.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported the news on social media.
#Giants QB Daniel Jones, benched as the starter, has requested his release. The team is expected to grant it.
That would mean Jones would go through waivers, which he's likely to clear because of his contract. At that point, he'd be a free agent. pic.twitter.com/xBzc66HMoC
Giants president John Mara released a statement on the decision to part ways with the former first-round draft pick.
"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."
Jones was demoted due to his consistent poor play as New York decided to go in favor of Tommy DeVito as the starter. But he was moved down to the third-string quarterback at first and then even got moved to be the fourth quarterback on the depth chart.
This all but sealed his fate with the Giants, leading to him asking for a release. Some members of the Giants weren't the happiest with the decision to bench Jones as according to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, one player didn't mince words about his thoughts.
"One offensive player told me over the phone: 'We're not idiots. They did it because of money. So be it. But Daniel has been all class, never complained, and is now being completely disregarded. The TEAM record is bad. You can point fingers everywhere. To try to blame him is trash, and making him third string is weak as f***.'"
Jones will now look for his next team as he tries to keep his NFL career alive. The former Duke product has shown flashes of brilliance at different times throughout his career but never could consistently put it all together.
Some teams may take a flyer on him as his upside could still be there. But for now, it will be interesting to see what waves come from this shocking move.
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