Eight potential landing spots for Daniel Jones after his release from the Giants

Monday is a big day for quarterback Daniel Jones. After being officially waived by the New York Giants on Saturday (it had been announced on Friday), Jones goes on waivers and the definition happens on Monday. If someone claims him, the new team absorbs his $11.8 million salary for the rest of the season — […]

Wendell Ferreira NFL News Writer
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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to throw the ball during a game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Monday is a big day for quarterback Daniel Jones. After being officially waived by the New York Giants on Saturday (it had been announced on Friday), Jones goes on waivers and the definition happens on Monday.

If someone claims him, the new team absorbs his $11.8 million salary for the rest of the season — which would be extremely helpful for the Giants. But the new team will also have a risk, because Jones is under contract through 2026. There aren't full guarantees left beyond this season, but Jones does have $23 million in injury guarantees for 2025.

That's why he's expected to go unclaimed. If he does, New York will pay him the rest of the salary for this season, and Jones will be a free agent. The expectation is that he will sign a veteran minimum contract through the end of the season to reach free agency in 2025 — and the new team would have an opportunity to get a compensatory pick in return.

Let's discuss which teams could sign Daniel Jones.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders are actually the only team with a realistic motivation to claim Jones off waivers. They have the second priority to do so, after the Jacksonville Jaguars, and more than enough cap room ($34.8 million) to absorb the deal. On Sunday, Gardner Minshew broke his collarbone and is out for the season.

Aidan O'Connell is expected to start, but the Raiders could have an upgrade with Jones — and a viable option to compete for a starting job next season as well.


Baltimore Ravens

This would be the most Ravens thing ever. Not exactly because of the player, but because it would be a smart way of getting a compensatory pick. No team in the NFL cares more about it than the Ravens. But also, Jones would be an upgrade over Josh Johnson as the backup QB.


Minnesota Vikings

Here, it's a similar situation to the Ravens'. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would be happy to potentially grab a compensatory pick, and Daniel Jones would be an upgrade over backups Nick Mullens and Brett Rypien.

Jones could even be re-signed next offseason, however. Sam Darnold is a free agent, and if he feels like this will be JJ McCarthy's team, it makes sense for him to look at a starting opportunity elsewhere. Jones would be a cheaper option to backup McCarthy and eventually start some games if the young quarterback's knee isn't right soon.


Detroit Lions

Brad Holmes has made sure that his roster is complete to compete at the highest level. Right now, the weakest link on the team is the backup quarterback position. Hendon Hooker, an unproved young player, is the only option on the active roster behind Jared Goff. Daniel Jones would certainly be an upgrade, and for the veteran minimum it makes total sense.


San Francisco 49ers

Brock Purdy missed the Green Bay Packers game because of a shoulder injury. If the Niners are concerned about his mid-term availability, it would be smart to add a proven starter, since Brandon Allen and Josh Dobbs are not exactly household names.


Tennessee Titans

If Daniel Jones wants a path to start, the Titans are probably the best option after the Raiders. It hasn’t been a great season for Will Levis, and the backup is Mason Rudolph. Maybe the Titans regret the decision to trade Malik Willis, but getting Jones would be a solid way to recover from that.


Dallas Cowboys

Cooper Rush has been a viable option for the Cowboys since Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending hamstring injury. However, Jones would be an upgrade over backup Trey Lance — and probably over Rush as soon as he picked up the offense. Also, Jerry Jones would certainly feel good about getting a former Giants quarterback.


Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have one of the worst backup QB situations in the NFL. Tua Tagovailoa has played at a really high level, but the team is nothing without him. On Sunday, Mike McDaniel pulled the starters and had to put them right back in because Skylar Thompson had a fumble in an Exchange with Jaylen Wright.

When Tua got hurt, the Dolphins had to go out there and sign Tyler Huntley off the Ravens' practice squad. But now Huntley is injured too, so Thompson is the only option on the 53-man roster — and Miami doesn't have a practice squad quarterback.