Daniel Jones faced the music Thursday, stepping to the podium for the first time since the New York Giants handed the starting quarterback job to rookie Tommy DeVito. It wasn't the kind of presser Jones envisioned when he signed a hefty extension earlier this year, but he handled it with professionalism and humility.

Jones called playing for the Giants "a dream come true," but admitted he fell short of expectations. "I did not play well enough consistently enough to help the team get results," he said. While that kind of self-awareness is refreshing, it doesn't change the reality: the Giants have moved on, and Jones has slid not just down the depth chart but all the way to scout team safety.

Yes, you read that right -- Jones is now running around as a practice field decoy. It's a far cry from leading NFL huddles and firing passes in games. The Giants can't outright ban him from practice while he's still under contract, but the writing's on the wall. Jones himself hinted that his presence might not be long-term, saying, "I'm still kinda processing. For now, I'm doing the best I can to help Tommy prepare, help the team prepare."

What's clear is Jones badly wants to play, but that isn't happening in New York. The injury guarantee attached to his contract for next season has the Giants playing it safe. No surprise there. While Jones says he's "excited for the next opportunity," it's almost guaranteed to come in another city.

For now, the former first-round pick is taking his demotion in stride, but the bigger story will be where he lands next. At 26, Jones still believes there's "a lot of good football" ahead. Whether anyone else feels the same will shape the next chapter of his career.