Daniel Jones' next move: 5 potential NFL teams he could join this season
Daniel Jones scrambles out of the pocket in the first quarter against the Washington Commanders. Credit: Mike Stobe
Once Daniel Jones clears waivers this weekend, he will become a free agent able to sign with any team in the league for the rest of the season. Here are a few of the most logical — and most entertaining — potential landing spots for him.
1. Dallas Cowboys
Imagine Jones starting on Thanksgiving Day against the Giants. And you thought your family’s holiday table would be fraught with tension and grudges? Even though it appears Jones will be a long shot — Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones told San Antonio’s Sports Star radio station that he does not expect to pursue Daniel Jones: “No, I think we’re in good shape at the quarterback spot,” he said — we can dream! With Dak Prescott out for the season, the Cowboys don’t have many good options (Cooper Rush and Trey Lance). Poaching Jones would at least give them something to talk about other than their collapsing roof and their head coach’s doomed status.
2. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers already have lost one shot at a Super Bowl trip this decade because Brock Purdy’s arm gave out. Now they are on the cusp of another season slipping away as Purdy deals with a shoulder injury. He was ruled out for Sunday’s game in Green Bay. If San Francisco is worried about that long term, Jones could be the backup to salvage it.
3. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins seem to have gotten their act together for a late playoff run, but it could all crumble with another injury to Tua Tagovailoa. We’ve seen just how bad things can get when he is sidelined. Jones would be pretty good insurance against that.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
It’s probably too late to save their season, but Jones certainly would be the best starting option on a roster that includes Gardner Minshew, Aiden O’Connell and Desmond Ridder and has a coaching staff and front office that need wins to keep their jobs. Plenty of Giants ties in Las Vegas, too, from head coach Antonio Pierce to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
Why not? They already have Saquon Barkley, for whom Eagles fans now chant their gratitude to the Giants. Jones and Jalen Hurts can commiserate about being benched by Brian Daboll. The Eagles don’t really need Jones, as Hurts is playing at a fairly high level. This would be more about Howie Roseman sticking it to the Giants and maybe resting his starters in Week 18 so Jones could play against them.
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
