The New York Giants’ stunning decision to bench starting quarterback Daniel Jones in the fourth quarter of their Week 8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles has sent shockwaves through the NFL. While head coach Brian Daboll was quick to declare Jones the starter moving forward, the door has undeniably been opened for further benchings – and potentially an offseason move at the position.
Jones’ Struggles Lead to Benching
Through the first seven games of the season, Jones had struggled mightily to move the Giants’ offense. New York entered Week 8 averaging a paltry 14.1 points per game, with Jones completing just 57% of his passes for 1,398 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. The low point came against Philadelphia, as Jones managed only 80 passing yards before being benched for backup Drew Lock early in the fourth quarter.
While Daboll insisted the move was simply an attempt to “create a spark,” it’s hard to view it as anything other than an indictment of Jones’ play. Lock didn’t fare much better in relief, but the damage to Jones’ standing as the unquestioned starter appears to be done.
Options for the Remainder of the Season
With 10 games still to play, the Giants have several paths they could take with their quarterback situation:
- Play it out with Jones: The least likely option at this point. The Giants could let Jones finish the season as the starter, hoping he turns things around. But patience seems to be wearing thin.
- Bench Jones week-to-week: Daboll could choose to evaluate Jones on a weekly basis, turning to Lock any time the offense sputters. This seems to be the most probable path forward.
- Make a permanent change: If Jones struggles again next week against the Steelers, the Giants could opt to hand the reins to Lock for good.
- Wait for playoff elimination: New York could stick with Jones until they’re officially out of postseason contention before making a switch, in order to evaluate Lock or avoid an injury to Jones.
Jones’ Murky Future with the Giants
Regardless of how the rest of this season plays out, Jones’ long-term future with the Giants is very much in doubt. Now in his 5th year with the club, the former 6th overall pick has failed to establish himself as a franchise quarterback, with turnover issues and inconsistent play plaguing his tenure.
Most crucially, Jones has $23 million guaranteed for injury in 2025. That money becomes fully guaranteed on the 5th day of the 2025 league year if Jones cannot pass a physical. With that financial commitment looming, the Giants may be unwilling to risk an injury to Jones in meaningless games if they’re already eliminated from playoff contention.
We’ve had conversations. Those would be private conversations, and our focus is on getting ready to play Pittsburgh.
– Giants head coach Brian Daboll, on if he’s provided any reassurances to Daniel Jones
Reading between the lines, it certainly seems like the Giants are preparing to move on from Jones after this season. With a likely top draft pick in a quarterback-rich 2025 class, the front office may already be setting their sights on finding a new franchise signal-caller.
For Daniel Jones, these next 10 games represent a final audition – either to change the Giants’ minds about his future, or to put some good tape out there for potential suitors in free agency. But after 5 years of ups and downs in New York, a fresh start might be best for both parties. Last Sunday’s benching may have simply been the first domino to fall.
