Monday morning, the New York Giants wasted no time making headlines after coming out of their bye week.
In a decision many saw as inevitable, the Giants are indeed benching starting quarterback Drew Lock.
There are many underlying stories, here, with Tommy DeVito taking over under center. But, one of the topics at hand now becomes who the Giants will replace Jones with in the coming years? Drafting a franchise passer is undoubtedly the right move, but free agency is also there for bridge purposes, too.
The 2025 free agent crop of quarterbacks isn't exactly budding with star names, but there are a few intriguing options the Giants could entertain. First and foremost, everybody will want to throw out Sam Darnold's name after the resurgence he's seen in Minnesota under Kevin O'Connell.
With J.J. McCarthy coming back next year and likely being the Vikings' guy going forward, Darnold could be looking for another team. However, Minnesota may invest into Darnold once again with McCarthy coming off injury.
Regardless, Darnold is one of the better names available. Now, as for some other interesting names, let's take a closer look.
The Giants could go a variety of ways in free agency to replace Daniel Jones
Trey Lance
Are we past the point of knowing who or what Trey Lance is? The former no. 3 overall pick back in 2021 has only started four career games. Injuries have played a role, but Lance also lost his starting job to Brock Purdy once the former Mr. Irrelevant put himself on the map.
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Coming out of North Dakota State, Lance was a riveting, polarizing, dual-threat quarterback with high upside. But, as a passer, he's a bit limited. Still, there's plenty of untapped potential there with how few snaps he's played. He may be worth a cheap gamble.
Carson Wentz
Wouldn't this be something? The Giants know Carson Wentz well, and he screams "bridge" more than most free agent options in the coming offseason. His starting days are over, but Wentz very well could be a serviceable option for the Giants to roll with, even if it's for just a few games before a top rookie takes the reins.
Justin Fields
Maybe the most enticing, intriguing name of all options next year is another former first-round pick and current Pittsburgh Steeler, Justin Fields. After starting the year under center for Pittsburgh and playing well, Fields was unseated by Russell Wilson in a decision that looks like the right one.
But, Fields' dual-threat ability still offers game-breaking potential and, at the very least, he's one of the league's best backup quarterbacks at the moment. The Giants could win some games with Fields. They'd have a phenomenal bridge option who could give the fans one or two mesmerizing plays every week, and someone who is a respected locker room presence.