Daniel Jones’ NFL story isn’t completely written, but the New York Giants’ decision to bench and then release their quarterback on Friday puts an axe to any remaining hope he would be the franchise’s face.
It cemented that only one quarterback in the 2019 NFL Draft has developed into a no-questions-asked starter. That would be Arizona Cardinals No. 1 pick Kyler Murray, whose at-the-time risky selection by then-general manager Steve Keim has paid off.
Jones was the second quarterback off the board at sixth overall. Arizona even used a top-30 visit before selecting Murray to get a feel for the other top QB prospect before that draft.
New York this week said it was benching Jones in favor of third-stringer Tommy DeVito, but Jones’ pre-written statement during his press availability telegraphed his time with the Giants was near its end.
“Daniel came to see me this morning and asked if we would release him,” Giants president John Mara said in a statement released Friday. “We mutually agreed that would be best for him and for the team. Daniel has been a great representative of our organization, first class in every way.”
To reminisce, here’s a peek at the rest of that 2019 quarterback class and quick notes on where each signal-caller has been since entering the NFL.
Kyler Murray, Daniels Jones and all the quarterbacks selected in the 2019 NFL Draft
No. 1 overall — Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray, Arizona
He’s still here! Murray got through growing pains and a too-public contract negotiation process that included that since-deleted homework clause and is back in the mix as a darkhorse MVP candidate this year. He’s thrown for 17,705 yards in his NFL career.
No. 6 overall — Duke’s Daniel Jones, New York Giants
Jones hasn’t done more than flash over 70 games. His 2022 season was statistically his best, and it was good for a 62.9 QBR, which ranked sixth in the NFL that season. His 92.5 passer rating was 13th that season. The last two years under Brian Daboll haven’t been nearly as good.
No. 15 overall — Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins, Washington
Haskins’s story is tragic. He was killed while crossing a road in Florida during a training trip with his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates in 2021. The quarterback struggled in two years with Washington after he was drafted and was released for a fresh start. He got that with the Steelers but did not get a chance to play for them.
No. 42 overall — Missouri’s Drew Lock, Denver
Lock didn’t work out in Denver and was part of the Russell Wilson trade with the Seattle Seahawks. There, he got lost behind Geno Smith and this offseason signed with New York to back up Jones. He will be the backup to DeVito this first week without Jones.
No. 100 overall — West Virginia’s Will Grier, Carolina
Grier is still hanging in the NFL and has bounced around to six teams. He’s on a second run with the Dallas Cowboys as a practice squad player.
No. 104 overall — NC State’s Ryan Finley, Cincinnati
A Paradise Valley High School product, Finley appeared in eight games during the 2019-20 seasons with the Bengals. He was traded in 2021 to the Houston Texans and waived.
No. 133 overall — Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham, New England
He’s gotten 18 starts across five years with the Patriots, Raiders and Broncos and is currently a backup to rookie Bo Nix in Denver.
No. 166 overall — North Dakota State’s Easton Stick, Los Angeles Chargers
Stick has stuck around on the Chargers as a backup and has six games played and 1,133 yards thrown for in the NFL.
No. 167 overall — Northwestern’s Clayton Thorson, Philadelphia
Thorson played for three NFC East teams but never appeared in an NFL game and last played for the USFL’s Houston Gamblers in 2022.
No. 178 overall — Washington State’s Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville
Minshew Mania was a thing in his rookie season, and he’s thrown for 11,720 career yards, third-most in this quarterback class behind Murray and Jones (14,582). Minshew has thrown 67 touchdowns to 33 picks, a better ratio than Jones’ 70-to-47. His career passer rating is 88.9 to Jones’ 84.3.
No. 197 overall — Penn State’s Trace McSorley, Baltimore
McSorley appeared in nine games between the Ravens and Cardinals from 2019-22. He made six appearances for Arizona with Murray out with an ACL injury in 2022. He was last with the Commanders but was waived in August.
Undrafted — Buffalo’s Tyree Jackson, Buffalo
He entered the NFL as a quarterback, left for the XFL after being cut before his rookie year and returned to the NFL in 2021 as a tight end. Jackson in 2021 played sparingly to record three catches for 22 yards and a score with the Eagles and was last with the Giants in camp.
Undrafted — Boise State’s Brett Rypien, Broncos
He’s a backup on Minnesota’s roster at present and has been on five teams. He’s played in 10 games between the Broncos (2020-22) and Rams (2023).
Undrafted — Washington’s Jake Browning, Vikings
Browning played for Minnesota (2019-20) and then jumped to Cincinnati, where he is still Joe Burrow’s backup. He has 11 games and seven starts under his belt with the Bengals.