Daniel Jones: A Quarterback on the Move
After four seasons with the New York Giants, quarterback Daniel Jones received a significant contract, only to find himself out of a job midway through his second season with the team. Drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Jones has now entered the free agency market at the age of 27, carrying the weight of his playoff win and the evident truth that he was not the problem in New York. The Giants’ decision to release Jones has set the stage for a fascinating quarterback carousel, as several teams look for their next leader under center.
The Quarterback Carousel: A Quick Overview
The NFL’s quarterback market is heating up, and the first two spots have already been filled: Matthew Stafford remains with the Rams, and Geno Smith joins the Raiders. However, several teams are still in the market for a solid QB1. The list includes the Jets, Steelers, Browns, Titans, Colts (where Anthony Richardson is currently the only competition), and the Seahawks. Sam Darnold is widely expected to land in Seattle, leaving the Jets, Steelers, Browns, Titans, and Colts as the most likely destinations for Daniel Jones.
The Teams in Play
Each of these teams has its own set of needs and priorities:
- Jets: New York’s other team is in dire need of a quarterback after a disappointing 2024 season. Jones, with his playoff experience and familiarity with the New York market, could be an attractive option.
- Steelers: Pittsburgh is looking for a quarterback to lead their young, talented roster. Jones’s ability to manage the game and make key plays could be a good fit.
- Browns: Cleveland has been searching for stability under center and could see Jones as a steady, capable option.
- Titans: Tennessee is looking for someone to step in and lead their offense. Jones’s experience and potential for growth could be appealing.
- Colts: Indianapolis is hosting an open competition, but Jones’s experience could make him a strong frontrunner for the starting job.
The Competition
The realistic candidates for these open starting jobs include Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins (if he’s traded or cut), and possibly Jimmy Garoppolo, Joe Flacco, and Drew Lock. Some of these quarterbacks could end up as placeholders for rookies like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, but they will be the starting options until the draft.
Jones and the Vikings: A Possible Surprise
If the musical chairs of free agency don’t provide a seat for Daniel Jones, the Vikings could present a viable option. Minnesota showed interest in Jones last year by adding him to their 53-man roster for the playoffs. Jones, in turn, was willing to forgo a two-month head start on free agency to participate in the Wild Card game, indicating his belief in his abilities and the opportunity to compete. There’s even a slim chance that the Vikings could opt for an open competition between Jones and J.J. McCarthy, keeping the team’s options open.
The Future is Uncertain, but Exciting
The next few days will be crucial for Daniel Jones and the other quarterbacks on the move. The music of free agency is about to get very loud, and the chairs will start filling up quickly. By Wednesday, if not sooner, we could have a clear picture of where Daniel Jones will be for the 2025 season. For Jones, the opportunity to prove himself in a new environment is both a challenge and a chance to showcase his potential. The NFL’s quarterback carousel is in full swing, and the next move could be a defining one for Daniel Jones’s career.
