Daniel Jones is expected to clear waivers and will be able to sign with any team starting at 4 pm ET on Monday. Jones, who was granted his release by the Giants after the team demoted him last week, has a preference regarding his next team that will likely surprise them.
The veteran quarterback would prefer to sign with a playoff-contending team rather than one in need, according to ESPN, who also reported that Jones is expected to sign a one-year deal “sooner rather than later.” Jones is expected to receive interest from multiple playoff contending teams, according to the report.
Jones’ reported preference is interesting. Instead of possibly getting a chance to start for a team in need of a quarterback, Jones would rather be a part of a team headed to the postseason, likely as their new backup quarterback.
While his preference is somewhat surprising, playoff-contending teams that are supposedly interested in Jones shouldn’t be. Having a solid, quality backup quarterback is a luxury that can quickly become a necessity if your starting quarterback goes down with an injury. Just ask the 2017 Eagles, who won the Super Bowl with former backup Nick Foles at the helm.
By joining a playoff contender, Jones could adjust to his new situation without having to deal with the pressure of being “the guy” like he was with the Giants. Jones would also have the stability that typically comes with being part of a winning organization.
What team could it be? Really, any team that is currently in a good position to make the playoffs. An obvious exception would be the Pittsburgh Steelers, who already have two starting-caliber quarterbacks in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
Regardless of who signs him, Jones surely hopes to have a fresh start after what was a A largely disappointing five-plus-year streak in New York. Jones, however, helped lead the Giants to the franchise’s first playoff victory since winning Super Bowl XLVI during the 2012 postseason.
