Jones was quickly asked if he plans to be with the team for the rest of the season.
“I think I’m still processing and, for now, I’m doing the best I can to help Tommy prepare, help the team prepare,” he said. “That’s what I’m going to do right now. So, processing that I think. Obviously, a decision was made and I’m not playing. So, I think that’s what that was framed as.”
Jones continued to heed his team-first mentality when answering several follow-up questions, including what factors he will consider regarding whether he continues to attend practice or break from the Giants.
“I think first you think about what’s best for the team and how you can help,” he said. “And then myself and what’s best for my situation going forward.”
Asked if he was blaming himself for the team’s 2-8 record and poor offensive output, Jones said, “I’d say football’s a team game, certainly. But the quarterback is a big piece of that, and I understand that. For my part and my piece of it, I take responsibility.”
The Giants have lost five consecutive games, most recently a 20-17 overtime defeat to the Carolina Panthers in Munich on Nov. 21. They had a bye last week and when the team returned to work Monday, Jones met with general manager Joe Schoen and Daboll, who told him of the quarterback change. Their reasoning was simple.
“I think, obviously, we are 2-8 and that’s not where we want to be,” Jones said. “They’re looking to change things up. So, I think that was what was communicated.”
What were his emotions when he received the news?
“Definitely not happy about it,” Jones said. “Not what you want to hear. And so, all those emotions you have. But, at the end of the day, this is football and we’re in a business where you’re expected to get results, and we weren’t doing it. So, you got to accept it and understand.”
Jones conceded the injury guarantee in his contract was part of the discussion. If he were injured in a game or practice and unable to pass an offseason physical, $23 million of his 2025 contract would be guaranteed – and count against the Giants’ salary cap.
“That was a piece of the conversation, for sure,” Jones said. “I wanted to play. I wanted to play badly and do what I could to play. I think it was a part of it. Most of those discussions took place with my agents and Joe.”
Jones didn’t answer directly when asked if would waive the injury guarantee to stay on the field now.
“I wanted to play,” he said. “I want to play. I want to be on the field. I tried to do as much as I could to make that possible and create a situation where we were both comfortable. Most of those discussions went on with my agent and with Joe. I want to play. I want to be on the field. But it’s the unfortunate business side of the game, too.”
It is also the reason he does only individual drills in practice.
“Well, I’ve got the injury guarantee,” Jones said. “So, that’s that. I understand it. They don’t want to take any risks. At that point, it’s just do as you’re told.”
Jones got emotional near the end of his news conference when asked about the support of his teammates, particularly Dexter Lawrence and Darius Slayton, close friends and fellow members of the Giants’ 2019 draft class. They are the three longest-tenured Giants.
“Like I said, I’ve created a lot of great relationships here 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.”
During his six years with the Giants, Jones has routinely answered questions about him with team-tailored responses. He likely did so in part today because he is unsure what’s in his football future.
“I think I’m still trying process this and what’s best for the team, what’s best for me and then make a decision on that going forward,” he said. “I’m confident in my ability, a lot of good football ahead, and I’m excited for that.
“I think you handle it and move on and accept it. I’m good and understand. I’m looking forward to the next step and trying to do what I can to help the team.”
*Kayvon Thibodeaux will play Sunday for the first time since Oct. 6 and with Brian Burns and Azeez Ojulari, the latter two who are tied for second on the team with 6.0 sacks. Thibodeaux had 2.0 sacks before a wrist injury that required surgery sidelined him for five games. Ojulari recorded 5.0 sacks in Thibodeaux’s absence. The Giants now have three productive edge rushers for two spots.
“It’s a good problem to have,” defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. “Obviously, with Azeez coming on and the impact he’s been able to have for us, he’s earned the opportunity to play. So, it’s really good getting Kayvon back out there, seeing him going back through it, kind of see where it progresses with him this week, see where we’re at come Sunday. But optimistic with him, and we’ll see where it goes. But it’s a good problem to have.”
*The Giants again had full participation at practice with four players working on a limited basis: defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (knee), safety Tyler Nubin (back), wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles), and linebacker Darius Muasau (hamstring).
*Thibodeaux, officially in his 21-day window for return from injured reserve, was one of six players listed as full participants along with wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion), tight end Theo Johnson (back), guard Greg Van Roten (abdomen), cornerback Dru Phillips (hip) and linebacker Matt Adams (knee).
