Giants Release Daniel Jones but Are Stuck Paying His $35.5 Million Salary.

The New York Giants are having a rough season, sitting at the bottom of the NFC East with a 2-8 record, which puts them in the running for the worst record in the NFL. There are a lot of problems within the organization, but they just took a step to address one of them as they plan for what’s next. Just days after benching quarterback Daniel Jones, the Giants decided to release him from the team altogether.

NFL contracts usually aren't completely guaranteed, but in this situation, the Giants are still on the hook for Jones' entire $35.5 million salary, even though he won't be part of the team for almost half the season.

Basically, the Giants are paying Jones to leave. And the good news for Jones is that if he joins another team, he can snag a second paycheck for the rest of the season.

The Giants picked Jones with the sixth overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. His first three seasons were rough, with the team struggling to win more than five games in any of those years. However, everything took a turn in his fourth season.

In 2022, Jones had his best year yet, showcasing some standout performances. He achieved personal bests in completions (317), attempts (472), passing yards (3,205), rushing yards (708), and rushing touchdowns (7).

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What’s even more impressive is that he managed to keep turnovers in check—only throwing five interceptions and losing five fumbles, which averages out to just half a turnover per game. This is a huge improvement compared to his rookie season, where he racked up 23 turnovers (including a staggering 11 fumbles lost) in just 12 games, showing he was definitely on the upswing.

The Giants had a solid season, finishing with a record of 9-7-1, which secured them a playoff spot. They hit the road and took down the Minnesota Vikings, with Jones making history as the first quarterback in the NFL to throw for over 300 yards, rush for 70, and toss two touchdown passes in a single playoff game.

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Impressed by his performance, the Giants decided to sign Jones to a four-year, $160 million deal in March 2023. But then things took a turn.

As the 2023 season kicked off, Jones struggled to find his rhythm. He managed to throw for 909 yards, with two touchdowns and six interceptions—more picks than he had in the entire 2022 season—over just six games before suffering an ACL tear that sidelined him for the rest of the year. The Giants ended up with a 1-5 record in games he started, while they went 5-6 without him.

This season, the Giants struggled with a 2-8 record while Jones was at the helm. He threw for 2,070 yards, racked up eight touchdown passes, and had seven picks. After being benched, he asked for his release. His time with the Giants ended with a 24-44-1 record and just one winning season over six years.

While the Giants have issues that go beyond just their quarterback, Jones's up-and-down performance certainly didn't help. Now, he's looking to join a playoff team as a backup, with hopes of securing a starting role somewhere else next season.

Getting let go by your employer can be tough, but Jones is in a decent spot. He’ll still pocket $35.5 million this season and could potentially make even more if he finds a new team.

Daniel Jones’s time with the New York Giants may have come to an end, but his career has shown moments of resilience and promise. Despite early struggles, Jones had a breakout year in 2022, achieving personal bests in passing, rushing, and turnover control, even leading the Giants to a playoff victory with a historic performance.

While injuries and a challenging 2023 season led to his release, Jones’s talent and determination remain undeniable. With a guaranteed $35.5 million salary and the opportunity to join another team, Jones is well-positioned to reset and pursue success, potentially earning a starting role next season.