Part 2/7:
The initial announcement of Jones’ release drew significant attention, with many observers agreeing that it was a necessary step for both parties. It became increasingly clear that retaining Jones for the rest of the season was impractical given his injuries. Paul Schwartz, a Giants beat writer, pointed out that keeping him sidelined and not participating in practices or games was not only awkward but also detrimental to team dynamics.
Jones had requested his release after a period of navigating life as an injured player, where he participated in meetings but did not contribute on the field. Being reduced to a backup role—essentially a "QB4"—meant that he lost his identity within the team, leading to the decision that both he and the organization could benefit from a fresh start.