The New York Giants benched quarterback Daniel Jones for Tommy DeVito, unofficially putting an end to the quarterback’s time in the Big Apple. Jones will be the third-string quarterback behind DeVito and journeyman Drew Lock, as New York will do everything it can to keep the quarterback from getting hurt and activating the injury guarantee in his contract. After six years and one playoff appearance, Jones will look for his next team in the upcoming offseason. While nobody will view him as a franchise quarterback, he should earn an opportunity somewhere.
While he never played up to his sixth-overall draft stock, Jones proved he could be an adequate short-term starter and high-end backup. The New York Giants never gave him much of a supporting cast, so perhaps he can thrive in a new environment or spend a year on the bench, regain his confidence, and fight for a starting job in 2026. Looking around the league, organizations like the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens could make sense as the next team for Daniel Jones.
Daniel Jones Looking For Next Team After Benching – Panthers, Ravens Top Fits
Chances are, the Carolina Panthers will have another new starting quarterback in 2025. While former first-overall pick Bryce Young has shown some life since replacing Andy Dalton in the starting lineup, he hasn’t done enough to save his job. Head coach Dave Canales benched him for a reason, and this recent stretch of play probably isn’t good enough to change the coach’s mind about his long-term future. Young could earn an opportunity elsewhere, but the Panthers will probably trade him to the highest bidder during the offseason.
The Panthers will almost certainly select someone like Cam Ward in the 2025 NFL Draft, but they might not want him to start right away. With Andy Dalton scheduled to hit free agency, the Panthers could end up being the next team for Daniel Jones. Carolina will need someone who could start at a moment’s notice, and Jones should welcome the opportunity to play with an offensive coach and impressive young playmakers in first-round pick Xavier Legette, undrafted free agent Jalen Coker, and fourth-round tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders.
Backup Work
Of course, there is a chance Daniel Jones will have to be a backup for his next team. If that happens, it’s hard to think of a better fit than the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Jackson is one of the game’s elite players and, despite his poor game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, is still in the thick of the MVP race. Jones won’t usurp him on the depth chart, but he could be a valuable insurance policy in case injury strikes.
Jackson missed significant chunks of the season in two of the previous three seasons, and players don’t tend to get healthier as they age. The two-time MVP is a one-of-one talent and no backup could properly match his on-field ability. However, Jones has the raw skills to do a poor man’s Lamar Jackson impression if called upon. The longtime Giant is an impressive athlete with above-average mobility and has the arm talent to reach most parts of the field. Additionally, some time on the bench under a good head coach in John Harbaugh could be the best thing for Jones’ long-term chances of earning another starting job.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
