New York Giants locker room divided after quarterback Daniel Jones benched

Daniel Jones was benched by the New York Giants for this Sunday's game - with Tommy DeVito set to start at quarterback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium

Daniel Jones' teammates at the New York Giants are unhappy with the decision to bench him, with star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence stating that Jones is their best quarterback.

Just a year-and-a-half ago, the Giants showed their faith in Jones by offering him a four-year contract worth $160million (£126.5m) after his standout performance in 2022.

However, following an injury-plagued 2023 NFL season and inconsistent performances this year, which saw the Giants record just two wins from ten games, head coach Brian Daboll announced that not only would Jones be benched, but he would also be demoted to third-choice quarterback, with Tommy DeVito taking over as starter.

This came after the Giants signed Drew Lock to a contract to serve as back-up, a role he will continue to fulfil with Jones now behind him. The announcement was made on Monday, with Giants players expected to react when they return to practice on Wednesday.

In a Tuesday briefing, All-Pro defensive lineman Lawrence asserted: "He's the QB1. To me, he's the best quarterback on the team."

Contrastingly, FOX Sports reporter Jordan Schultz received insights from an offensive player on the situation: "We're not idiots. They did it because of money. So be it. But Daniel has been all class, never complained, and is now being completely disregarded. The TEAM record is bad. You can point fingers everywhere. To try to blame him is trash, and making him third string is weak as ----."

Rumours have circulated that the choice to bench might be influenced by those higher up than the head coach, implicating the possible involvement of the general manager or even ownership. Jones is on contract for two more years post this season, and should the Giants cut him post-June 1, they'd face a $22m (£17.4m) expense, which holds true for a trade situation as well.

With the upcoming match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, DeVito will ascend from QB3 to starter, indicating that head coach Daboll, who previously had Lock as second-string and DeVito as third, might not have made the decision alone.

DeVito had shown impressive form last season when subbing for an injured Jones, achieving eight touchdown passes, one rushing touchdown, only three interceptions, and securing a 3-3 tally.