Less than two years after signing a massive four-year, $160 million extension with the New York Giants, quarterback Daniel Jones is looking for a new home. New York benched him following 10 disappointing starts, burying him on the depth chart to avoid the injury guarantees in his contract. Benching an underperforming quarterback is one thing, but head coach Brian Daboll reportedly had him behind journeyman Tim Boyle as the fourth quarterback on the depth chart.
With the writing already on the wall, Daniel Jones requested a release, and the Giants granted that request. The former first-round pick will go on waivers, but it’s safe to assume nobody will claim his massive contract. Once he officially clears, he’ll become a free agent and will have the opportunity to sign with any team he desires. He could sit out and wait for an injury to strike a contender, but if he wants to sign right away, he could land with the Carolina Panthers or Baltimore Ravens.
Statement from the Giants on the release of QB Daniel Jones:
— Adam Schefter – Mirror (@adamschefter-mirror.bluesky.bot) November 22, 2024 at 11:33 AM
Giants Cut Daniel Jones, Early Favorites Emerge For Next Team
Former first-overall pick Bryce Young is on a two-game winning streak, but the team’s success probably won’t change his long-term future. While the Alabama product is playing better, he’s still not playing like a franchise quarterback, averaging just 5.4 yards per attempt on the season. Head coach Dave Canales will probably trade Young during the offseason and look to upgrade the position with a prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class. The only problem is that this recent winning streak could have cost the team a chance at a worthy prospect.
The Carolina Panthers currently have the eighth-overall pick in the NFL Draft, which isn’t good for the organization’s long-term future. Teams like the Titans, Giants, Raiders, Jets, and Browns all want a quarterback, and they all pick ahead of Carolina. Would the Panthers be willing to trade up for another uncertain prospect in a weak quarterback class, or could they build the rest of the roster and use a short-term bridge quarterback in 2025? With Andy Dalton set to leave in free agency, they could target Daniel Jones after he clears waivers. The former Giant can spend the back half of 2024 auditioning for the 2025 job, which should benefit all parties involved.
Backup Work In Baltimore
Of course, there is a chance Daniel Jones can’t find a starting job away from the Giants. If that happens, he might need to spend a season on the bench, and the Baltimore Ravens are the perfect fit. Lamar Jackson is the unquestioned face of the franchise, but this team could use a better insurance policy. With Tyler Huntley with the Miami Dolphins, the Ravens have career backup Josh Johnson second on the depth chart. The 38-year-old wasn’t good enough for the NFL as his peak, and that happened years ago. Given Jackson’s injury history, the Ravens should look for a better backup.
Daniel Jones wants to start, and a year on the bench could be the best way to rehabilitate his image. It worked for Mitchell Trubisky with the Buffalo Bills, and history could repeat itself. The Ravens are one of the most respected organizations in sports, and Jones could learn something under Jackson and head coach John Harbaugh.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
