Former Giants Stars Go to Bat for Daniel Jones Following His Release
In the wake of Daniel Jones’ surprising release from the New York Giants, former stars of the franchise have rallied behind the quarterback, offering public support and voicing their disappointment over the decision to part ways with the once-promising signal-caller. Jones, who was drafted by the Giants as the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, had a tumultuous career in New York, but his release still came as a shock to many, particularly given the substantial investment the franchise made in him just a few seasons ago.
Now, with Jones no longer part of the organization, former Giants players have taken to social media, interviews, and public forums to speak out in his defense, highlighting his character, leadership, and commitment to the team during a challenging period in the franchise’s history. For many, Jones’ departure signals the end of an era, but it also underscores the volatility of the NFL, where even top draft picks can quickly find themselves on the chopping block.
The Daniel Jones Era: Promise and Struggles
Daniel Jones’ tenure with the New York Giants was marked by both flashes of potential and periods of frustration. After being selected as the face of the franchise in 2019, Jones showed early signs of promise in his rookie season, particularly with his athleticism and ability to make plays with his legs. However, turnovers and inconsistency plagued him throughout his first few years. Critics were quick to question whether Jones was the right fit to lead the Giants, especially after a series of lackluster performances under multiple offensive systems.
In 2022, Jones had what many considered a career year under head coach Brian Daboll, guiding the Giants to a playoff berth and a victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card round. His ability to limit turnovers and show poise in high-pressure situations earned him praise, and the Giants rewarded him with a significant contract extension in the offseason. The deal, worth up to $160 million, was seen by many as a commitment to Jones as the team’s quarterback of the future.
However, despite the high expectations set after his extension, Jones struggled in 2023. Injuries to key players, lackluster offensive line play, and inconsistent receiving options contributed to a decline in performance. The Giants’ offense failed to find a rhythm, and as the season wore on, it became clear that the team’s once-optimistic outlook had soured. With the Giants falling out of playoff contention and Jones continuing to face criticism, it appeared that his time in New York was drawing to a close.
Former Giants Stars Speak Out
Following Jones’ release, several former Giants players, including key figures from both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, have come to his defense, praising his work ethic, leadership, and the tough circumstances he faced as the team’s quarterback.
Saquon Barkley, Jones’ longtime teammate and fellow cornerstone of the offense, was among the first to offer his support. “It’s tough to see Daniel go, especially after everything we’ve been through together,” Barkley said in a social media post. “He’s a true professional and always gave his best for this team, no matter what. I know he’s going to succeed wherever he goes. He’s got the talent, and he’s got the heart.”
Barkley, who shared a deep bond with Jones on and off the field, echoed sentiments that many fans have held about Jones: that the quarterback was often forced to shoulder more responsibility than a young signal-caller should. Behind an inconsistent offensive line and with limited receiving weapons, Jones frequently had to perform miracles to keep the Giants competitive. Despite the challenges, Barkley consistently pointed to Jones’ resilience and leadership qualities, noting that he was always the first to take responsibility for a loss and the last to seek credit for a victory.
Sterling Shepard, another former Giants player and longtime teammate of Jones, also spoke out in support. “I’ve seen Daniel grow both as a player and as a person over the years,” Shepard wrote on Twitter. “People don’t always see the hard work that goes into it behind the scenes. I have a ton of respect for what he’s done for this team. He’ll be missed.”
Shepard, who had been with the Giants for several seasons, was often a trusted target for Jones. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Shepard always highlighted Jones’ willingness to improve and his commitment to the team’s success. For Shepard, Jones represented a stable and steady presence in an often unstable environment, and the decision to release him was a tough pill to swallow.
Jason Pierre-Paul, a former Giants pass rusher and two-time Super Bowl champion, also expressed disappointment with the team’s decision. “Daniel’s a fighter, man,” Pierre-Paul tweeted. “The Giants have had their ups and downs, but Daniel always showed up. People will never understand the pressure that comes with playing quarterback in New York. It’s a tough job. He never quit, and I respect that.”
Pierre-Paul’s comments reflected the sentiment that many former players shared: the New York market can be overwhelming for any athlete, and Jones often faced an undue amount of scrutiny, especially in comparison to other quarterbacks with similar struggles in smaller markets. Pierre-Paul’s remarks underscore how high the expectations were for Jones, both from the media and the fanbase, and how difficult it can be to succeed under those circumstances.
What’s Next for Daniel Jones?
With his release from the Giants, Daniel Jones now faces an uncertain future. While his time in New York was marked by inconsistency and an inability to reach the heights that many hoped for when he was drafted, Jones’ talent and work ethic are undeniable. He remains a capable starting quarterback with the potential to thrive in the right system.
Several teams in need of a quarterback have already been mentioned as potential landing spots for Jones. The Washington Commanders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Indianapolis Colts have been speculated as possible destinations, where Jones could either compete for a starting role or provide valuable depth and experience. In particular, teams with established coaching staffs and a solid offensive line could be ideal environments for Jones to rediscover his form and potentially have a successful second act to his career.
The Bottom Line: A Tough End, But a Bright Future
While Daniel Jones’ release from the New York Giants marks the end of a turbulent era, it also opens a new chapter for the quarterback. Former Giants stars have been quick to emphasize that Jones’ work ethic, leadership, and ability to navigate adversity are qualities that will serve him well moving forward. For fans who grew attached to the quarterback during his time in New York, the release is a difficult moment. Still, many will continue to support him, hoping that he finds success elsewhere and proves that his potential as an NFL quarterback has yet to be fully realized.
