The New York Giants‘ decision to bench quarterback Daniel Jones has drawn mixed reactions from within the team. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, a key player for the Giants, expressed both personal and professional conflict over the move.

As the Giants struggle through a 2-8 season, the decision to shift to third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito has sparked a larger conversation about the direction of the franchise.

Speaking at a Campbell’s Chunky Soup charity event, Lawrence reflected on his teammate’s benching.

“That’s my best friend,” Lawrence said of Jones. “It’s tough for that to happen. I can’t control it.” While acknowledging the emotional aspect of the decision, Lawrence also recognized the business implications that likely played a role.

Balancing Business and Loyalty

From a financial standpoint, the move was a calculated decision by the Giants. If Jones were to sustain a significant injury, the team would owe him $23 million for 2025, a risk the organization seemed unwilling to take.

While Lawrence admitted that the decision made sense from a management perspective, he couldn’t hide his personal disappointment.

“You’ve got to respect it as a player even though you don’t like it,” Lawrence remarked. He also noted the emotional difficulty of seeing his teammate sidelined.

Lawrence and Jones, both drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, have shared a close bond throughout their careers. While Lawrence has solidified himself as a two-time Pro Bowl selection, Jones has faced criticism for his inconsistency as a starting quarterback. Despite their differing career trajectories, Lawrence has remained supportive of his friend and teammate.

“They made the decision based off their evaluations and their thoughts and feelings,” Lawrence explained. “As a player, you’ve got to keep playing. As a human and as a brother, I feel for him.”

Navigating a Difficult Season

The decision to bench Jones surprised many within the organization, including Lawrence, who admitted that the coaching staff’s announcement on Monday caught players off guard.

“Because you don’t know their full thoughts behind it,” he said. Still, Lawrence emphasized the importance of trusting the coaches’ vision. “I think we trust the coaches and where they’re going and where they think we can go. That’s what you have to do.”

The Giants’ current struggles are reflected in their position near the bottom of the standings, with projections placing them in the top three to five picks in the upcoming draft.

While some fans and analysts suggest tanking might serve the team’s long-term interests, Lawrence made it clear that the players remain focused on competing.

“You have to be nave,” Lawrence said. “You start thinking about the wrong stuff, then you start playing like [expletive]. You’ve got to be nave and trust the process.”

As the Giants look to salvage what’s left of a difficult season, the decision to bench Daniel Jones signals a shift in the team’s priorities.

While the move may align with the organization’s long-term goals, it has left players like Dexter Lawrence grappling with the balance between loyalty and the business realities of the NFL. For now, the team must rally together and navigate the challenges ahead, both on and off the field.