EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – An emotional Daniel Jones spoke for the first time since being benched by the New York Giants in favor of Tommy DeVito and expressed his regret for not having enough wins, while also saying he still is concerned with his future.

Jones has been the Giants’ starting quarterback for the past six years. That changed on Monday when he was informed by coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen of the decision to make a change at quarterback.

Jones came to Thursday’s press conference with a prepared statement in which he thanked the team but also expressed his disappointment.

“There have been some great times, but of course we all wish there had been more of them,” Jones said as part of his statement. “I take full responsibility for my part in not achieving more wins. No one wanted to win more games than me and I gave everything I had on the pitch and in my preparation. Of course 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 and consistently enough to help the team get results.

“The reality of the NFL is that it’s hard to win games. It requires consistent performance from everyone involved. We haven’t done that well enough, so the idea to make a change arises and I understand it. I love the game “I love being part of the team, I’m excited for the next opportunity. I know there’s a lot of good football ahead of me and I’m excited about that.”

That next opportunity could present itself somewhere else relatively quickly. Jones, who has thrown eight touchdown passes with seven interceptions this season, was non-committal when asked if he would remain with the Giants for the rest of the season.

New York (2-8) has seven games remaining.

“That’s something I’m processing,” Jones said. “Right now my focus is on how can I help all these guys, help all these guys prepare for this week.”

Jones, 27, said he wanted to find a way to keep playing and tried to create a situation where both sides felt comfortable despite a $23 million injury guarantee for next season. It was too late. New York’s top brass had already decided it was time to move on from the 2019 No. 6 pick as the starting quarterback and turn to DeVito, a second-year quarterback who won three games as a starter last season.

The Giants explained the decision to Jones because there was a need for change with the team at 2-8. Admittedly, he wasn’t happy about that, as it would effectively end his career with the team that drafted him out of Duke University.

The injury guarantee was also part of the equation.

“That was definitely part of the conversation,” Jones said. “I wanted to play. I wanted to play bad and do what I could to play. I think it was part of it. Most of those conversations were with my agents and (general manager Joe Schoen).”

The Giants have lost five straight games and Jones is 3-13 as a starter since signing a four-year, $160 million contract in March 2023. That was the reason for the switch, even though Jones was not preferred.

“Definitely not happy about it. Not what you want to hear. All those emotions you have,” he said. “At the end of the day, this is football and we are in a business where you are expected to get results and we didn’t do that. You have to accept it and understand it.”

Jones was the fourth quarterback for the Giants this week behind DeVito, Drew Lock and the recently signed Tim Boyle. He spent part of Thursday practice as a scout team safety during a walk-through period.

It’s a situation that Lock said was strange to see during training.

‘Well, I have the injury guarantee. So that’s that,” Jones said. ‘I understand. They don’t want to take any risks. At that point it’s just doing what you’re told.’

The Giants would be on the hook for $23 million if Jones suffers a serious injury early next year and is unable to play through a physical. It’s a risk the Giants aren’t willing to take given the circumstances.

As for going home (like what happened to Derek Carr in Las Vegas two years ago) or asking for his full release, both options still appear to be in play for Jones.

“Like I said, I’m still processing and trying to think about what’s best for this team, what’s best for me,” he said.

In the meantime, he is also processing the fact that it is all coming to an end. Admittedly, it wasn’t easy.

Tears came to Jones’ eyes when he was asked about the support he has received from teammates in recent days, especially 2019 draft-mates Dexter Lawrence and Darius Slayton.

“Like I said, I’ve built a lot of good relationships with the guys here and definitely appreciate the support,” Jones said. “But it’s about the team and what’s best for the team. I know the guys will be ready to go. I know Tommy will be ready to go this week.”