Jones asked for release after meeting with John Mara
One day after saying he was still “processing” his benching and figuring out what to do about his future, Daniel Jones asked for and received his release from the New York Giants on Friday morning.
Jones will be placed on waivers, but is likely to clear and then become a free agent.
Here is co-owner John Mara’s statement, which was released by the organization on Friday morning:
“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 looked like QB4 on the depth chart during the portion of practice open to media on Wednesday. On Thursday, he spent part of practice playing safety on the scout team.
The Giants will be responsible for $22.21 million in dead money on their 2025 salary cap after releasing Jones. That is pro-rated signing bonus money Jones has already received but that still needs to be accounted for.
Releasing him now means the #Giants will take the full $22.21 million dead cap hit in 2025. Jones would’ve counted $41.605M against the cap if he were on the roster, so they save $19.395M in 2025 cap space (plus $30.5M cash) and Jones is off the books in 2026. https://t.co/gxV8j9HsKQ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 22, 2024
Here is coach Brian Daboll’s reaction to Jones’ release:
Brian Daboll says he had a “really good talk” with Daniel Jones before his release:
“He’s been nothing but a pro since I’ve been here with him. He’s a great young man.” pic.twitter.com/4VeMlIKAXZ
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 22, 2024
An emotional Jones had spoken to media on Thursday in a press conference truly felt like it was his goodbye to the organization.
Here is the prepared statement he read prior to taking questions for roughly 10 minutes:
“The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true and I’m extremely grateful to the Mara and Tisch families for the chance to play here. The Giants are truly a first-class organization, and I have nothing but genuine respect and appreciation for the people who have built it and who helped carry on that 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. 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.
“Of course, this season has been disappointing for all and, of course, I wish I could have done more. I’m 100% accountable for my part. I did not play well enough, consistently enough to help the team get the results. The reality of the NFL is it’s hard to win games and it 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. 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. To all the fans, I have deep respect and appreciation for your passion and love for the Giants. The fans are a huge part of what makes playing for the Giants so special. Thank you.”
Jones was the No. 6 overall pick by the Giants in the 2019 NFL Draft. He finished with a 24-44-1 record as a starter.