Daniel Jones' future is wide open after he predictably clears waivers

The Daniel Jones era in New York ended with a whimper rather than a bang. After years of ups and downs, the Giants released the former sixth-overall pick, marking the conclusion of one of the most turbulent quarterback sagas in franchise history.

Jones, once considered the face of the team, was benched earlier this season for undrafted backup Tommy DeVito, signaling the end of his tenure.

The fallout has been ugly. Jones’ descent from franchise quarterback to scout team safety became a symbol of the dysfunction surrounding the Giants. Though he handled his release with class, publicly thanking the organization and taking accountability for the team’s struggles, the situation highlighted the team’s mismanagement and the brutal nature of the NFL.

Now officially free to move on, Jones has an opportunity to reset his career elsewhere.

Daniel Jones clears waivers and can now sign anywhere he wants

As expected, Daniel Jones cleared waivers after no team was willing to take on the massive contract he signed with the Giants in 2023. NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed the news on Twitter, stating:

This development gives Jones the freedom to choose his next destination carefully. At just 27 years old, he offers an intriguing blend of mobility, arm strength, and starting experience. Teams needing quarterback depth or a bridge starter could see value in signing him, particularly as injuries pile up across the league.

A few potential landing spots stand out. The Baltimore Ravens, with their run-heavy offense and mobile quarterbacks, could be a natural fit for Jones as a backup to Lamar Jackson. The Minnesota Vikings, playoff-bound but dealing with depth concerns behind Sam Darnold, might also make sense. With Nick Mullens currently serving as the Vikings' backup, adding Jones could provide much-needed insurance for a postseason run.

The San Francisco 49ers are another team to watch. Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system could help Jones flourish, and with Brock Purdy battling injuries, the 49ers might view Jones as a low-risk option to bolster their quarterback room.

Other teams like the Detroit Lions or Miami Dolphins, both of whom have playoff aspirations, might also consider Jones as a backup with starting potential.

For now, it appears Jones will take his time to evaluate his options. His decision will likely hinge on finding a team with playoff aspirations and a system that aligns with his skill set. After a chaotic end in New York, Jones has the chance to control his narrative and find a situation that allows him to rebuild his career.

The road ahead won’t be easy, but the chapter Jones begins next will be one of the most fascinating storylines to follow as the NFL season continues.

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