“Daniel came to see me this morning and asked if we would release him,” the New York Giants’ president John Mara had informed while talking about Daniel Jones’ release from the team. Jones—who had been drafted by the Big Blue in the first round as a sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft—has severely underperformed in the 2023 and 2024 season, and leaves with a dismal 22-44-1 record, 70 touchdown passes, and 47 interceptions. So, not only is his release an expected development, but a majorly supported one, with one analyst taking the criticism a notch higher.

On the November 22 episode of Fox Sports Radio, Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington discussed Daniel Jones’s future in the NFL, and let us tell you, Parker DID NOT hold back…

“Daniel Jones is a bad NFL quarterback. There’s no other way to describe him,” the host began, before adding, “The giants made a mistake. They let Saquon Barkley go, they paid Daniel Jones like he was some franchise quarterback, and they made a mistake.”

Notably, Parker’s opinion comes hours after the team’s former running back Saquon Barkley wished the best for his former teammate—the same man who replaced him after the Giants refused to match Barkley’s asking price as a free agent. “It sucks to see how everything went down out there. But I have nothing but great things to say about him. I think you’re not gonna really find anybody that can really say any negative things about him… It didn’t work for me over there. I’m doing well over here. Hopefully, he can find the same kind of fresh start and success,” he said.

Well, it’s surely a “look who’s laughing now” moment for the now Philadelphia Eagles QB, who had revealed how the Giants rejection felt to him only in July this year: “I kind of felt like it was a little disrespectful, to be honest. Because it’s kind of like a slap in the face.”

Having said that, we’re not sure to what extent Barkley’s wish for Jones’ “fresh start and success” will be realized, especially with Rob Parker making it clear that the gridiron is no place for the veteran.

“And here’s the other thing: He doesn’t deserve another opportunity, I’m dead serious, as a starting quarterback. I’m not saying there’s not a place for him in the NFL as you know a backup, a third string…a quarterback coach…But Daniel Jones should not, under any circumstance, be holding a football in the NFL, unless he’s going to pay back that $40 million minus taxes, okay?” But if you thought the hosts were done with their scathing attack, wait till you read the story further…

The discussion soon turned toward the team’s HC Brian Daboll, who had ironically credited Jones for “making a lot of good decisions” and being “consistent” on November 3 this year. Parker pointed out that the HC always claimed himself to be a quarterback whisperer and took credit for reviving Bills’ Josh Allen. But that didn’t happen at the Giants. In 2022, Daboll arrived at the franchise. After working for 3 seasons, it’s the same situation.

The sports commentator stated, “The Giants coach who was a miracle worker with Josh Allen…he didn’t do anything with him. He could not fix Daniel Jones. So, I don’t know. He might have to take quarterback Whisperer off of his resume cuz it didn’t work.” 

We’ll see about that resume later, but first, when it comes to the released QB: If not here, where?

For now, the 27-year-old will go on waivers, and is unlikely to be inducted by a team with $13.8 million of guaranteed money remaining on his contract. He could either become a backup QB, or choose to spend some time off, or join the Las Vegas Raiders (who are at an equally dilapidated condition this season, with their starting QB, Gardner Minshew, leading the team to a 2-6 record, and his backup Aidan O’Connell leading them to 0-2). Dallas Cowboys were also a likely landing spot until the team’s executive vice-president revealed to The Athletic’s John Machota:

“No, I think we’re in good shape at our quarterback spot. We think Cooper gives us the best chance to win right now. And certainly we still want to see some. We’ll kind of see how the season goes here.”

That’s a heartbreaking rejection, for sure. But wait till you hear what was said on Fox Sports Radio.

Analysts warn NFL team from signing Daniel Jones

This was Daniel Jones’ sixth season with the franchise. And in that time, only in 2022, did he have more wins than losses. So, naturally, when the QB stood in front of a room full of reporters, there was nothing but regret in his voice:

“There have been some great times, but we all wish there had been more of those. I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins. Nobody wanted to win more games worse than me, and I gave everything I had on the field in my preparation. Of course this season has been disappointing for all, and of course I wish I could have done more,” he added. “I’m 100% accountable for my part. I did not play well enough consistently enough to get the team results.”

However, despite the heartfelt admission, Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington were hardly apologetic, and didn’t harbor any soft spots for the player.

“Here’s my last point: They gave him six years, they gave him his whole chance to prove everybody wrong…you could go take a look Zack Wilson, Sam Darnold didn’t get that, Gino Smith didn’t get that. You could go on and on. Not six years and get cashed out, they didn’t get those opportunities…Darnold went to three or four teams and then he got a chance…he didn’t get it right off the bat. The Jets didn’t say, ‘Oh no. We riding this out for six years we’re going to see if we can develop you into a quarterback’. So, Daniel Jones got more than enough,” Parker said, as Washington agreed.

It seems Jones will have to walk a lonely path now. But, the good thing is age is on his side. He’s only 27 years old. It remains to be seen if he will take the hard route and sign as a starter QB or choose the backup role. Till then, stay tuned for more of such exciting stories.