Daniel Jones Clears Waivers: What’s Next for the Former Giants QB?
It’s official: Daniel Jones, the former New York Giants quarterback, has cleared waivers and is now an unrestricted free agent. The news, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, marks the end of a tumultuous chapter for the 2019 first-round pick. Now, the big question is: where will Jones land next?
According to sources, Jones has his sights set on joining a playoff contender. Two teams that have emerged as potential destinations are the Baltimore Ravens and the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams are in the thick of the playoff hunt and could benefit from a quarterback with Jones’ experience, even if his tenure with the Giants was less than stellar.
The Financial Hurdle
For any team to have claimed Jones off waivers, they would have had to take on the remainder of his contract. That’s no small price tag: $11,833,333 for this season, plus an additional $23 million in injury guarantees for the future. It’s no surprise, then, that no team was willing to take that gamble, leaving Jones free to negotiate a new deal on his own terms.
The End of an Era in New York
The Giants made their intentions clear last Friday when they announced they would part ways with Jones. The decision was described as a mutual agreement between the team and the quarterback. Giants owner John Mara stated that the move was “best for him and for the team.”
Jones’ departure effectively removes him from the Giants’ depth chart, where he had already been relegated to a non-playing role. The team has moved forward with Tommy DeVito as the starter, Drew Lock as the backup, and newly signed Tim Boyle as the third-string quarterback. Jones, meanwhile, spent his final days with the team taking individual reps and even playing scout team safety during practice before officially requesting his release.
Jones’ Legacy in New York
Jones’ time with the Giants was a rollercoaster, to say the least. Drafted sixth overall out of Duke in 2019, he was expected to be the franchise quarterback who would lead the team back to glory. Instead, his six seasons in New York were marked by inconsistency and underwhelming results. He finished his Giants career with a 22-44-1 record, 70 touchdown passes, and 47 interceptions. While he showed flashes of brilliance, those moments were too few and far between to justify his high draft selection.
What’s Next for Daniel Jones?
Now that Jones is a free agent, the speculation about his next move is heating up. Here are three key points to consider:
- Playoff Aspirations: Jones reportedly wants to join a playoff contender, which narrows the field of potential suitors. The Ravens and Vikings are intriguing options, but it remains to be seen if either team will make a move.
- Contract Negotiations: With his previous contract off the table, Jones has the opportunity to negotiate a deal that better reflects his current market value. This could make him a more attractive option for teams in need of quarterback depth.
- Proving Himself: Wherever he lands, Jones will have to prove that he can be a reliable and effective quarterback. His time in New York may not have lived up to expectations, but a fresh start could be just what he needs to turn his career around.
For now, all eyes are on Daniel Jones as he navigates the next chapter of his NFL journey. Will he find a new home with a playoff contender? Or will he have to settle for a backup role as he works to rebuild his reputation? One thing is certain: the clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.
Originally Written by: Adam Schefter
