Daniel Jones landing spots: Raiders, Colts (but not Cowboys) among best fits after Giants release | Sporting News

Daniel Jones went from benched Giants quarterback to former Giants quarterback in a hurry. The 2019 first-round pick’s tenure as New York’s starter is over, and now he’s looking for a second NFL home, likely as a seasoned backup.

Not surprisingly, Jones was immediately hyped as going to the NFC East rival Cowboys with Dak Prescott out for the season — a prospect made especially enticing for NFL fans thanks to the teams’ matchup on Thanksgiving Day in Dallas. The Cowboys, however, shouldn’t add Jones to save their season, because it’s already lost.

The only way Daniel Jones ends up in Dallas getting paid by Jerry Jones is as a potential backup signing in free agency in 2025, when current fill-in No. 2 Cooper Rush and No. 3 Trey Lance will be free agents.

As for where Jones might land short-term on waivers with the rest of 2024 most in mind there are two scenarios were he could start and one worthy backup spot. Those teams looking beyond this season can get a jump on upgrade their No. 2.

While Jones doesn’t go to the Cowboys, here are six other better landing spots for him:

MORE: Why did the Giants release Daniel Jones?

Daniel Jones’ 6 best landing spots

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders have taken their shots on Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell and did consider giving a shot to Desmond Ridder. With former star Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce as the coach, he might want to take a look at what Jones can potentially do for the team next season as a low-risk audition in the new offense.

Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Richardson has had a roller-coaster second season as he’s been mostly fully healthy. He went from some real promise to major disappointment, leading to his benching for Joe Flacco before his redemption as a playmaker vs. the Jets in Week 12. Flacco has been a terrible fit in Shane Steichen’s offense and big-armed and mobile Jones would make more sense as a No. 2 to be a contingency or Richardson as the Colts still are in the AFC wild-card hunt.

MORE: How Daniel Jones’ release affects Giants’ 2025 salary cap

Miami Dolphins

With Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history and how the offense could not function well with his most recent backups playing (Skylar Thompson, Tyler Huntley), the Dolphins should see a quick needed upgrade while they try to stay in the AFC wild-card picture too. Jones’ play can be elevated by their receivers and Mike McDaniel’s offense.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have only Josh Johnson behind Lamar Jackson will need to add a more solid backup for 2025. They might as well get a jump on it because they can still the run the same offense with Todd Monken because of Jones’ arm and athleticism should something put Lamar on the shelf.

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Los Angeles Chargers

Jim Harbaugh should see a little bit of J.J. McCarthy in Jones and should want to upgrade the backup situation behind Justin Herbert, which is very shaky with Taylor Heinicke and Easton Stick, two pending free agents. Jones just feels like a QB who could please either Harbaugh.

Minnesota Vikings

Speaking of McCarthy, the Vikings shouldn’t be re-signing Sam Darnold with the rookie first-round waiting in the wings to make his healthy debut in 2025. Jones would fit the profile as the ideal No. 2 to McCarthy with his mental makeup for Kevin O’Connell system.