The New York Giants invested top-10 draft picks in quarterback Daniel Jones (2019) and running back Saquon Barkley (2018), making them the faces of the franchise for the past seven seasons. As of November 22, however, both players have moved on—Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency earlier this year and Jones following his release in Week 12.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Barkley reflected on Jones’ departure. While maintaining respect for his former teammate, Barkley shared his thoughts on the situation, as highlighted by ESPN’s Tim McManus and SNY Giants.
“It’s tough to see how everything played out for him over there,” Barkley said. “I’ve been in contact with him, and our friendship has stayed strong since I joined [Philadelphia].”
The former Giants running back expressed his admiration for Jones. “I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him. Honestly, I don’t think you’ll find many people who can say negative things about him, but this is the NFL.”
Barkley added a hopeful note for Jones’ future: “Hopefully, wherever he lands next, they’ll be getting someone who’s ready to come in and work. It didn’t work for me over there, and I’m doing well here. I hope he can find the same kind of fresh start and success.”
Could Daniel Jones Join Saquon Barkley & Sign With Eagles?
The Philadelphia Eagles have been mentioned as a potential destination for Daniel Jones following his release, but that scenario seems unlikely given Saquon Barkley’s strained relationship with the Eagles’ fanbase. While Jones, like Barkley, would prioritize the best opportunity, it’s worth questioning whether backing up Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia is truly the best option for him.
If Jones doesn’t secure a starting role for the remainder of the 2024 season, there are more appealing backup opportunities available—positions that could offer a clearer path to playing time or a better fit for a fresh start.
Additionally, the Eagles’ trade for Kenny Pickett earlier this year further complicates the possibility. Signing Jones for a depth quarterback role could be seen as unnecessary and might risk alienating Giants fans even more. Barkley’s move to Philadelphia made sense due to the financial terms and the team’s need for a lead running back, but Jones would have fewer compelling reasons to make the same jump.
In reality, the only incentives for Jones to join the Eagles would be his friendship with Barkley and perhaps a desire for revenge against the Giants—neither of which align with Jones’ reputation. It’s more likely that he’ll seek a fresh start elsewhere, aligning with the type of opportunity Barkley alluded to in his comments.
Giants New QB1 Tommy DeVito, NYG Teammates React to News of Daniel Jones’ Release
After Daniel Jones’ release, second-year quarterback Tommy DeVito, now sitting atop the New York Giants’ depth chart, shared his thoughts during a November 22 media session.
“We all kind of had a small conversation as a group, the quarterback unit,” DeVito said. “We had an idea it was coming, but just thoughts and prayers for him and his family. [I’m] praying for him in this time, obviously it’s a tough thing to go through.”
DeVito emphasized that Jones retains the unwavering support of his teammates, particularly the quarterbacks. “We’re still going to be close,” he noted. “We can go get dinner, do our whole thing—normal stuff. But I definitely feel for him in this time. Let him decompress for a little while, get away from it, and just be with his loved ones.”
The outpouring of support extended beyond DeVito. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reported that many Giants players took to Instagram to express their gratitude for Jones. Among those were wide receivers Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson, left tackle Andrew Thomas, and defender Isaiah Simmons.
Slayton’s post featured the caption, “Love 4L 8,” seemingly meaning “Love for life, No. 8,” a nod to Jones’ jersey number. Meanwhile, Simmons encouraged Jones to “go be great!”
Raanan concluded that while Jones’ time with the Giants “didn’t work on the field,” the strong reactions from teammates underscore their respect for him as a person.
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