The New York Giants shocked the NFL world on Friday morning when they announced quarterback Daniel Jones was being released. The former sixth overall pick of the organization in 2019 had a tumultuous tenure in New York and now will head to waivers, with the Giants eating over $20 million in dead cap.
Read more: Giants to Release QB Daniel Jones in Shocking Move
"Daniel came to see me this morning and asked if we would release him," Giants president John Mara said in a statement released on the team's social media.
"We mutually agreed that would be best for him and for the team. Daniel has been a great representative of our organization, first class in every way. His handling of this situation yesterday exemplifies just that. We are all disappointed in how things have worked out.
"We hold Daniel in high regard and have a great appreciation for him. We wish him nothing but the best in the future."
Jones will now head to waivers, where he's not expected to be claimed due to his contract. However, once he clears waivers, he will be free to sign with any team for the remainder of the season.
There are a handful of teams who would be interested in Jones and make sense for the 27-year-old signal caller. Here are the top five, with No. 1 being the best fit.
5. Dallas Cowboys
This is the least likely of the fits, but also the most fun. The Cowboys' season is all but over with Dak Prescott out for the year. However, the team could bring in Jones, and see if he can learn the playbook before the end of the year to give him a shot. If the team likes him and signs him to a longer deal, Jones could be a viable backup for Prescott — and then potential trade bait later next season.
Also, wouldn't it be so like the Cowboys to take Jones from their NFC East rival?
4. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have flip-flopped between Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco all season long. The team is still 5-6 and looking to make a playoff push — why not bring in Jones as another option down the stretch when they inevitably want to make another change?
3. Miami Dolphins
Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed over a month of the season, and the Dolphins became arguably the worst team in football during that time. It would make sense for Miami, a team with playoff aspirations, to find a strong backup for the stretch run. Jones would be just that — and his dual-threat abilities would be perfect in a Mike McDaniel offense. This one is actually my favorite landing spot of the five.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have had some of the worst quarterback play in the league this season. They're expected to pursue a quarterback in next year's draft, but it wouldn't hurt to get a look at Jones in the last few weeks of this season. Jones would value the opportunity to start, too.
1. New York Jets
The nightmare season in New York could lead to a quarterback change late in the season. No, I'm not talking about the Giants this time.
The Jets have struggled mightily this year, and at 3-8, it's pretty much looking like a lost season. With Aaron Rodgers turning 41 in less than two weeks, it would make all the sense in the world for the Jets to see if Jones was a good fit for the potential future.
It would also mean Jones wouldn't have to move very far. The only question is if he wants to deal with the New York fans and media again.
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