5 Daniel Jones destinations after Giants release, from the Cowboys to 49ers

Daniel Jones and the New York Giants were destined for a breakup. It just came sooner than we expected.

Jones was pulled from the starting lineup this month, signaling the end of his tenure with the franchise that drafted him sixth overall in 2019. That was enough to keep him off the field and eliminate the injury risk that could have triggered salary guarantees for 2025. The drama didn’t end there; New York moved him to scout team safety in practices — much like the Houston Texans did with Deshaun Watson following his trade demand (but before he was accused of more than 20 counts of sexual misconduct and what the NFL later described as “predatory behavior) — and drew the ire of fans across the northeast.

MORE: The Giants did Daniel Jones dirty before his release

The occasionally successful, often frustrating quarterback penned a heartfelt goodbye and asked for his release from the team. On Friday, the Giants granted it.

Once he clears waivers — and he will, because no one wants to inherit what’s left of the four year, $160 million contract he signed in 2023 — he’ll be available to sign with anyone in the NFL. So who could want a low-impact passer with scrambling chops and a playoff win over Kirk Cousins on the road? Is anyone capable of unlocking his value like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did with Baker Mayfield last fall?

A few short-term options come to mind.