Ex-Giants bust Daniel Jones is popular in free agency ... and could start somewhere

Nearly four months after being released by the Giants, quarterback Daniel Jones is a hot commodity in the NFL’s free-agent market.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Jones has gained interest from at least three teams — the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts.

Jones spent the final two months of the 2024 season with the Vikings. Though he never took a snap for Minnesota, he was well-liked by the organization and is being considered over bringing back Sam Darnold.

“As was told to me, (J.J.)McCarthy has already proven to the staff he’s the franchise quarterback, but the team won’t rush his timeline; they want the process to unfold organically, whether he’s ready now, in camp, or in a future year,” Fowler wrote, via ESPN. “Jones would be a potential bridge to that and a cheaper alternative to Darnold.”

BUY GIANTS TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER

The Browns are another organization in need of an inexpensive quarterback. They owe Deshaun Watson, who is not expected to play in 2025 because of a torn Achilles tendon, a guaranteed $92 million over two years.

Jones is viewed as an option for Cleveland, but he has some competition.

“People I’ve talked to expect Daniel Jones to be on their radar, along with Kirk Cousins if he becomes available (though, surprisingly, not every team official is buying that the Falcons will just cut him outright, despite the significant money owed to him),” Fowler wrote. “Another name to watch here is Carson Wentz."

The Colts are one the more surprising teams to be named in the story. The interest seems to be real, with Fowler admitting he’s heard Jones’s name in connection to Indianapolis “more than once.”

The Colts haven’t moved on from Anthony Richardson yet, but they’ve expressed interest in quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Trey Lance and Jacoby Brissett, according to Fowler.

“This is a mix of quarterbacks who can support Anthony Richardson and guys who will be looking to start games somewhere,” Fowler writes.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

Manny Gómez may be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com.