If the New York Giants release veteran quarterback Daniel Jones in the offseason, he’ll become one of the top quarterbacks available in free agency.
After a career year in 2022, Daniel Jones was handed a four-year contract extension worth a whopping $160 million. The 2019 first-round pick, however, has not lived up to that lucrative deal since putting the pen to paper.
The good news is that Jones’ contract is structured in a way that allows the Giants to get out of it next offseason with minimal financial ramifications. Given Jones’ playing experience and occasional flashes with his dual-threat style of play, there should be considerable interest if he hits free agency.
Austen Bundy of FanSided listed five possible landing spots for Daniel Jones if he becomes a free agent next year. One of Bundy’s landing spots was the Carolina Panthers, who may need a new starter if they end up moving on from 2023 first-overall pick Bryce Young:
Daniel Jones & Baker Mayfield are the only QBs this season with 3 games of multiple Pass TDs and 0 INTs pic.twitter.com/NzMYaX0A31
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) October 11, 2024
It’s easy to scoff now at a team like Carolina possibly targeting Daniel Jones. But just look at how 2018 first-round picks in Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold enjoyed career revivals with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings, respectively.
Jones didn’t have an elite pass-catching weapon until this year, when the Giants used the No. 6 pick on LSU wideout Malik Nabers. The Giants’ offensive line and defense has been below average since his 2019 rookie year, too, so it’s not a stretch to believe that Jones could emerge as a Pro Bowl-caliber QB in the right offense.
Daniel Jones Is Running Out Of Time With Giants
If Jones wants to keep his job with the Giants beyond this year, he must consistently produce over the team’s final 12 games. The 2019 first-round pick has been better in 2024 compared to last season, but he’s going to have to get close to that 2022 form if the Giants are to commit to him in 2025.
