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Daniel Jones parts ways with Giants as time in New York comes to an end: ‘I wish I could have done more’
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Daniel Jones parts ways with Giants as time in New York comes to an end: ‘I wish I could have done more’

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones spoke to the media after Thursday’s practice and gave what appeared to be a farewell speech after six seasons with the team.

Jones was benched in favor of Tommy DeVito on Monday as the last-place Giants entered Week 12 at 2-8. Jones spent part of Thursday’s session wearing a red scout team jersey and then took responsibility for his part in leading just one winning season since arriving in 2019.

“The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true. I am extremely grateful to the Mara and Tisch families for the opportunity to play here,” said Jones. “Nobody wanted to win more games worse than me. I gave everything I had, on the field and in preparation. Obviously this season has been disappointing for everyone and of course I wish I could have done more. I am 100% responsible for my part. I didn’t play well enough, consistently enough to help the team get (good) results.”

Jones, who is currently in the second season of the four-year, $160 million contract extension signed in 2022, acknowledged that he is “still working out” whether he will remain with the team for the rest of the season.

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However, the 27-year-old did confirm that his $23 million injury bond contributed to the team’s decision to sit him out.

“I want to play. I want to be on the field. I tried to do as much as I could to make that happen and create a situation where we both felt comfortable,” Jones said when asked if he was considering waiving the warranty. “Unfortunate business side of the game.”

With the anticipation of having played his final snap in a Giants uniform, Jones expressed excitement about his next opportunity. “I know there is a lot of good football ahead of me,” he said.

Still, Jones was visibly emotional at points, especially when thanking his teammates, coaches, staff and fans.

“To all fans, I deeply respect and appreciate your passion and love for the Giants. The fans are a big part of what makes playing for the Giants so special.”

Why the Giants made this move

It was strange to see Jones in a red scout team vest safely lining up during a walk-through period early in Thursday’s practice. But that’s the quarterback’s new reality, as he has fallen to fourth on the depth chart after the Giants benched him this week.

The Giants essentially put Jones in bubble wrap to keep him from risking the $23 million injury guarantee in his contract, so he won’t participate in live practice periods. But Jones stayed safe as the offensive line and quarterbacks prepared for the blitzes they’ll see from the Buccaneers on Sunday. Jones was joined on the scout team’s defense by practice squad offensive linemen and members of the coaching staff.

That’s the extent of Jones’ practice participation over the final seven weeks of the season unless he and the team come to an agreement to send him home. – Dan Duggan, Giants senior writer

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(Photo: Luke Hales/Getty Images)