Daniel Jones’ post-Giants suitors are starting to emerge.
The Ravens (7-4) and Vikings (8-2) have been identified as “two of the likeliest teams to land” the former Giants quarterback, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday, two days after Jones, 27, was granted his release by the team.
Although Baltimore and Minnesota were specifically called out by Schefter, the NFL insider noted those teams “are hardly the only ones,” and that what unfolds on the field this week “is expected to influence [Jones’] decision.”
Schefter previously reported that Jones would prefer to conclude the 2024 season with a playoff contender, “where he will be involved in big games,” versus “a meandering quarterback-needy team not in playoff contention.”
Both the Ravens and Vikings fit that bill with Baltimore — led by two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson — currently carrying Josh Johnson as the lone backup quarterback.
Sam Darnold, a fellow New York castoff who began his career with the Jets in 2018, is at the helm in Minnesota, which boasts veteran backups Nick Mullens and Brett Rypien.
The Ravens and Vikings are in contention for a postseason run as both teams are in second place in their respective divisions, the AFC North and the NFC North.
Jones’ next landing spot could be decided “sooner rather than later,” with the former first-round pick expected to clear waivers Monday as no team will likely claim his nearly $12 million salary for the season, ESPN reported.
He was in the second year of a four-year, $160 million contract extension when the Giants (2-8) opted to bench him this past Monday in favor of Tommy DeVito, who leapfrogged backup Drew Lock to start Sunday against the Buccaneers (4-6).
Jones was then demoted to fourth-string quarterback following the signing of Tim Boyle before being granted his release.
It had been a rollercoaster five-and-a-half season tenure for Jones, who started 70 games for the Giants and reached the postseason just once in 2022.
He threw eight touchdowns and seven interceptions this year.
“There have been some great times, but, of course, we all wish there had been more of those,” Jones said Thursday in a prepared statement. “I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins. No one wanted to win those games worse than me. I gave everything I had.”
Jones, who has completed 64.1 percent of his passes throughout six seasons, added Thursday, “I know that there is a lot of good football in front of me. I’m excited about that.”
As for where, however, remains to be seen.