The first day of what appears to be a major transition for Daniel Jones with the New York Giants began on Wednesday. Jones participated in team meetings, attended practice (albeit with minimal activity), and officially found himself out of the game-day plans for the remainder of the season. His new role places him as the team’s third-string quarterback—or possibly even fourth—behind starter Tommy DeVito, backup Drew Lock, and practice squad addition Tim Boyle.

While some players in Jones’ position might be permitted to stay away from the team entirely under such circumstances, particularly when an injury guarantee is in play, the Giants have not taken that approach with their former franchise quarterback.

“Look, Daniel is a professional; he’s a great teammate,” said head coach Brian Daboll. “This is the role he’s in right now, and I’m happy he’s part of our team.”

Jones’ Limited Role in Practice

On a cloudy afternoon, Jones was present on the practice field as the Giants (2-8) began preparing for their Sunday matchup against the Buccaneers (4-6) at MetLife Stadium.

Jones observed as the three other quarterbacks went through individual drills, throwing only a few passes himself to stationary receivers. Moving forward, starter Tommy DeVito will receive all first-team reps, Drew Lock will continue leading the scout team, and Jones and Boyle will take part in limited individual drills.

This arrangement ensures that Jones, under the protection of his $23 million injury guarantee for 2025, avoids any unnecessary risk. With no meaningful practice or game action, Jones effectively finds himself wrapped in proverbial bubble wrap to safeguard his health.

“This isn’t an easy situation, and I understand that,” Daboll said.

A Permanent Demotion

On Monday, Jones was informed of what Daboll described as a “permanent demotion”. Despite the disappointing news, the 27-year-old reportedly attended meetings on Wednesday with a “positive attitude.”

The shift has caused some ripples in the locker room. Defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, who entered the league with Jones as part of the 2019 draft class, publicly voiced his belief that Jones is the team’s best quarterback and questioned the move.

“I have a lot of respect for Dex,” Daboll commented. “He and Daniel have been teammates for a long time and have a great relationship. Look, not everyone will agree with this decision, and I get that.”

Despite potential concerns about locker room morale, Daboll expressed confidence in the team’s cohesion.

“I’m very confident in our locker room. We have a close-knit group. Obviously, we’re not where we want to be record-wise, but I believe in our players, coaches, and the chemistry we’ve built.”

The Business Behind the Decision

Given the business motivations behind this decision, it’s possible the Giants may declare Jones inactive on game days, elevating Boyle as the emergency No. 3 quarterback, or choose to carry only DeVito and Lock in certain weeks.

If Jones never takes another snap for the Giants, his career numbers will leave much to be desired. Over six seasons, the Giants managed just one winning campaign during Jones‘ tenure as a starter. His career record of 22-44-1 starkly highlights the team’s struggles, with his performance declining after a solid 2022 season in which he helped the team to a 9-7-1 record and a playoff win.

Disappointing Career Numbers

Since signing a four-year, $160 million contract in March 2023, Jones has posted a dismal 3-13 record, appearing in just six games this season due to a neck injury followed by a torn ACL.

His career numbers with the Giants include a 64.1% completion rate, 14,582 passing yards, 70 touchdown passes, and 47 interceptions, alongside 15 rushing touchdowns. He endured 208 sacks and holds a career passer rating of 84.3.

Jones‘ final game as a Giant may have been a forgettable one: in Week 10, he threw two red-zone interceptions during a 20-17 overtime loss to the Panthers in Munich.

While Jones’ tenure with the Giants seems all but over, the organization will now focus on developing Tommy DeVito and evaluating other options at quarterback. For Jones, the transition marks the end of an era filled with ups and downs, as he prepares for the next phase of his NFL career—likely outside New York.