For New York Giants fans, Daniel Jones’ NFL career has been a frustrating rollercoaster. Drafted sixth overall in 2019, he entered with raw potential but left the franchise after five-plus seasons as a disappointment.
After being benched for Tommy DeVito and eventually released, Jones landed on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad—a position fitting for a player whose career trajectory screams backup at best.
Yet somehow, Jones has entered a new narrative: a viable free agent option heading into 2025. Analysts, including Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, have floated Miami as a potential landing spot for Jones, suggesting he’d be a solid backup for Tua Tagovailoa. While Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings coaching staff deserve credit for giving Jones a lifeline, the idea that a few months on Minnesota’s practice squad can transform him into a coveted player is, at best, premature.
Miami might be a quarterback-friendly environment, but five-plus seasons of Jones’ inconsistency aren’t easily erased. Giants fans endured years of poor decision-making, turnover issues, and shaky performances under pressure. Why would teams like the Dolphins suddenly see him as a viable placeholder now?
From afterthought to desirable asset? Pump the brakes on Daniel Jones
The Miami rumors, though persistent, don’t hold much weight. Yes, Mike McDaniel is one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL, and yes, Miami’s offense is stacked with weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. But surrounding Jones with elite talent doesn’t solve his fundamental issues. Giants fans know better than anyone that no amount of playmakers can fix problems like pocket awareness and decision-making.
Daniel Jones ➡️ Dolphins pic.twitter.com/P5fLPQ2yiB
— Jersey Swaps (@jerseyxswap) November 20, 2024
Jones had a decent market upon his release, but there’s no reason to believe his stock has suddenly drastically risen. If Miami saw him as a viable option, why didn’t they pursue him when he became available? He was signed to the Vikings’ practice squad for nothing, not brought in as a priority piece for their playoff push.
While Kevin O’Connell has a reputation for developing quarterbacks, there’s no evidence Jones has made significant progress. Even in his best season with the Giants in 2022, Jones’ success was largely attributed to Brian Daboll’s coaching, not some dramatic leap in his skillset.
The idea Jones could now step into a role as Miami’s backup feels more like offseason speculation than a serious consideration. Backup quarterback roles require reliability, and Jones has yet to prove he can consistently deliver, even in a reduced role.
Let’s be clear: Kevin O’Connell has given Jones a much-needed reset, but this isn’t some miracle turnaround. The Vikings brought him in as depth, nothing more. If O’Connell can turn Jones into a coveted free agent asset, it would be one of the greatest coaching achievements in recent memory.
For now, Jones remains the quarterback Giants fans came to know—one who failed to live up to expectations despite ample opportunity. Any talk of him becoming a free agent prize is more about hopeful projections than reality. Giants fans have seen this movie before, and it doesn’t have a happy ending.