NFL legend Tom Brady delivers scathing verdict on Daniel Jones after New York Giants $160m debacle
Tom Brady has criticised former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones for requesting his release from the team after being benched last week.
During Thursday’s Giants-Cowboys game broadcast on Fox, Brady took aim at Jones’ decision to depart the team that had given him a £126million ($160m) contract.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion, now working as a Fox commentator, suggested Jones’ actions went against principles of team loyalty and respect.
“I don’t know how that whole situation went down but to think that you’d ask for a release from a team that committed a lot to you is maybe different than how I would’ve handled that,” Brady said during the broadcast.
The NFL legend emphasised the importance of maintaining teammates’ trust and respect.
“I always felt I wanted to get the trust and respect of my teammates regardless of the situation, knowing that I was trying to be the best I could for the team because that was the most important thing,” he added.
Jones’ situation with the Giants deteriorated rapidly after being benched, with the quarterback being demoted to scout team safety duties during practice.
The Giants’ decision to bench Jones was reportedly influenced by financial considerations, as they sought to avoid a potential £18m ($23m) injury guarantee in his contract.
Jones had signed a four-year, $160m deal after helping the team reach the postseason in 2022, but struggled this season with just 10 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions.
Brady drew parallels to his own experiences facing adversity in college at Michigan.
“I faced them in college, and some things didn’t go the way I wanted, but the people that mattered the most to me were the guys in the locker room,” Brady said.
The former quarterback emphasised his willingness to take on any role for team success.
“I showed up every day. I didn’t care if they asked me to be scout team safety, scout team quarterback, I was gonna do whatever I could to help the team win.”
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However, Jones’ circumstances differed significantly from Brady’s career experiences.
While Brady enjoyed a stable career with successful organisations, Jones endured six turbulent seasons with three different head coaches and multiple coordinators.
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Several Giants teammates publicly questioned the organisation’s treatment of Jones following his departure.
As USA Today noted, Jones had initially offered to help the team after being benched, including assisting other quarterbacks, before ultimately deciding an early exit was his best option.