Daniel Jones is officially a free man.
The former Giants quarterback, who was released by the team Friday after spending his first five-plus NFL seasons with them, cleared waivers at 4 p.m. Monday. He’s now free to sign with any team in the league.
So, let the speculation rage on about where he might sign.
According to a Sunday ESPN report, Jones is expected to be selective about his next team, preferring to sign with a playoff contender. The two teams the report listed were the Ravens and Vikings.
The Ravens’ starting quarterback is MVP candidate Lamar Jackson and his backup quarterback is journeyman Josh Johnson. The Viking starter is former Jets bust Sam Darnold, who’s backed up by Nick Mullens, who’s never been a regular starter.
With Raiders starter Gardner Minshew having been lost for the season Sunday with a broken collarbone, it’s possible Las Vegas would pursue Jones.
The only healthy quarterback on the Raiders roster is Desmond Ridder, who hasn’t performed well. Aidan O’Connell has been out with a broken thumb, though could be close to returning.
The Raiders, like the Giants, are 2-9. But if Jones were to sign with them, he could finish this season as the starter and have a strong chance to be the starter in 2025.
With Las Vegas likely to draft a quarterback. Jones could be a “bridge’’ starter while the rookie gets acclimated to the league.
The 49ers could also make sense for Jones. San Francisco starter Brock Purdy is out with a shoulder injury and the 49ers are trying to stay in playoff contention. It’s uncertain when Purdy will return to action.
Wherever Jones lands, he’d cost only $375,000 for the rest of the season with a league minimum salary unless he signed a longer-term deal.
Jones, drafted sixth overall in 2019 by the Giants, ended his career in New York having started 69 games with a record of 24-44-1.
Jones has joined former prominent teammates as ex-Giants, including running back Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 255 yards for the Eagles on Sunday night and leads the NFL in rushing, and Packers safety Xavier McKinney, who leads the NFL in INTs with seven.
“Hopefully, wherever he ends up next, they’re going to get a guy who come in and work,’’ Barkley said of Jones, his close friend. “It didn’t work for me over there, and I’m doing well over here. Hopefully, he can find the same fresh start and success.”
