Daniel Jones wasn’t always a star.
The Indianapolis Colts standout has enjoyed a career resurgence lately, looking like one of the league’s top QBs while taking snaps at Lucas Oil Stadium. His combination of passing accuracy and creativity in the open field has always been appealing. After years of promise, Jones finally seems poised to reach his full potential.
That will come as a surprise to New York Giants fans, whose last memories of Jones are tied to injuries and interceptions. He was Big Blue’s starter for most of six years—a period that was challenging for both player and organization. More than a year after his departure, at least one side of that story appears to have found its stride.
Here’s a look back at Jones’ Giants career, from the highs of postseason heroics to the lows of the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
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Why did Daniel Jones leave Giants?
Jones had some bright moments during his time in New York, but his performances had declined through the 2024 season, ultimately leading to his unceremonious exit.
He enjoyed a solid first season—turnovers notwithstanding—and helped propel the Giants to a postseason berth in his fourth year. That campaign proved especially pivotal for the then-25-year-old, as New York opted not to pick up his fifth-year option ahead of the season.
Jones shone across the Giants’ 17-game slate, amassing nearly 4,000 yards of total offense and 22 total touchdowns (15 passing, seven rushing) against just 11 turnovers. He further cemented his legacy in the postseason, becoming the first player in NFL history to record 300 or more passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and 70 or more rushing yards in a playoff game, as New York held off the Minnesota Vikings.
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Jones was rewarded for his strong performances with a four-year, $160 million contract in the offseason. By the end of the 2023 season, however, the Giants’ front office showed signs of buyer’s remorse. Jones played in just six games, throwing two touchdowns against six interceptions. In Week 9, he tore his ACL, ending his season and casting doubt on his future.
The 2024 season saw Jones return to health and reclaim the reins of Brian Daboll’s offense, but his struggles continued. By Week 10, his difficulties proved insurmountable, and he was benched in favor of backup Tommy DeVito. Following the announcement of his demotion, Jones requested to be released from his contract—a request Giants owner and president John Mara granted.
Daniel Jones stats with Giants
Jones finished his Giants career with 70 passing touchdowns and 15 rushing scores across 69 starts. He ranks fifth in franchise history in passing yards (14,582) and seventh in passing touchdowns. He also has more rushing yards (2,179) and rushing touchdowns than any other QB in New York history.
Here's a closer look at Jones' numbers during his six-year stint in New York.
| Season | Starts | Comp. | Yards | TD | INT | Passer rating | Rush yards | Rush TD |
| 2019 | 12 | 61.9% | 3,027 | 24 | 12 | 87.7 | 279 | 2 |
| 2020 | 14 | 62.5% | 2,943 | 11 | 10 | 80.4 | 423 | 1 |
| 2021 | 11 | 64.3% | 2,428 | 10 | 7 | 84.8 | 298 | 2 |
| 2022 | 16 | 67.2% | 3,205 | 15 | 5 | 92.5 | 708 | 7 |
| 2023 | 6 | 67.5% | 909 | 2 | 6 | 70.5 | 206 | 1 |
| 2024 | 10 | 63.3% | 2,070 | 8 | 7 | 79.4 | 265 | 2 |
| Career | 69 | 64.1% | 14,582 | 70 | 47 | 84.3 | 2,179 | 15 |
Daniel Jones draft
Jones was selected No. 6 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. A Duke alum, Jones enchanted scouts with his mobility, accuracy and feel inside the pocket. Widely considered a Day 2 talent, Jones' selection proved a bit of a shock to fans and talking heads alike. He looked to have silenced his critics with a strong rookie season that saw him throw for more than 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions. Jones did lose 11 fumbles, though — a league-high total.
Daniel Jones injury history
Jones dealt with a string of injuries throughout his six-year tenure in New York. His ACL tear was the most consequential, but he faced setbacks more often than most. As a rookie, he missed two games with an ankle sprain, followed by three games the next season due to hamstring and ankle issues. In 2021, Jones suffered the first of two neck injuries, which prematurely ended his season.
He returned healthy in 2022 and responded impressively, posting the best numbers of his career. But 2023 marked a reversal of fortune for the then-26-year-old. In addition to the torn ACL, Jones battled recurring neck pain, causing him to miss three more games.
Daniel Jones contract
- Years: One
- Value: $14 million
Jones inked a one-year, $14 million contract to join the Colts in the offseason. There were rumblings that Jones might choose to stay with the Minnesota Vikings — the team he signed for following his Giants release. Instead, Jones opted for Nap Town, hoping to take advantage of a QB room marked by its inconsistency.
Jones is still in the early days of his Colts career. But his decision to join Shane Steichen's side appears an inspired on thus far, pockmarked by a barrage of lengthy throws and runs and touchdowns.