Dolphins Emerge as Top Contender for Recently Released Giants QB

The New York Giants officially granted quarterback Daniel Jones his request to be released on November 22, signaling the end of his tenure with the franchise. After clearing waivers, Jones will hit the open market as a free agent — a stunning move after the Giants signed him to a four-year, $160 million contract just a year and a half ago. As Jones looks for a new team, the Miami Dolphins are quickly emerging as one of the top contenders to add him to their roster.

A Surprising Release

Jones’ departure from the Giants comes after a tumultuous 2024 season. Despite signing a massive extension, Jones struggled with consistency, leading New York to a dismal 2-8 record in the 10 games he played. He completed 63.3% of his passes for 8 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and an average of just 6.1 yards per attempt. The Giants’ offense also faltered in his absence, leaving the team searching for answers at quarterback.

Despite his lackluster performance, Jones has made over $108 million during his six NFL seasons and brings plenty of experience to any team that might take a chance on him. The most notable question now is: Where will Jones land next?

Dolphins: A Strong Fit for Jones?

As Jones enters free agency, the Miami Dolphins are quickly being named one of the most intriguing landing spots for the former Giants quarterback. With Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history and Miami’s lack of reliable backup options, adding a quarterback like Jones makes a lot of sense for the Dolphins.

Tagovailoa has been solid for Miami, but his 3-3 record this season in six starts highlights his inconsistency, and his inability to stay on the field has been a recurring problem. Tagovailoa has missed 12 games over the past four seasons, a concerning trend for a playoff-contending team like the Dolphins.

As the Dolphins try to stay in the AFC wild-card race, Jones could provide a much-needed upgrade to the quarterback position, especially as insurance in case Tagovailoa goes down again. Jones has struggled in 2024 but is still a marked improvement over Skylar Thompson and Tyler Huntley, who have combined for just 1 touchdown in 99 pass attempts this season.

Jones has averaged 6.5 yards per attempt over his career, which is a better figure than both Thompson and Huntley. Additionally, he brings a dual-threat capability to the table, having averaged 5.5 yards per carry with 15 rushing touchdowns throughout his career — an aspect that could mesh well in head coach Mike McDaniel’s fast-paced offense.

Other Teams in the Mix

It’s not just the Dolphins who are expected to show interest in Jones. Several other teams have already been linked to the quarterback, with many pundits predicting the Dolphins could be among the top suitors. In a November 22 feature, The Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer named Miami as one of the best landing spots, alongside teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, and Baltimore Ravens.

Iyer pointed out that Jones could be a good fit for teams looking for a strong backup or a potential starting quarterback if injury strikes. His dual-threat ability would work particularly well in Miami’s offense, and his experience in high-pressure situations, like his 2019 playoff run with the Giants, could provide invaluable leadership to a team still pushing for a playoff berth.

In addition to the Dolphins, other outlets have named the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Jets as potential landing spots for Jones. Each of these teams has its own reasons for considering Jones. The Cowboys, for example, could be looking for an upgrade after Dak Prescott’s injury struggles, while the Jets might see Jones as an answer to their ongoing quarterback carousel.

The Road Ahead for Jones

As Jones prepares to hit free agency, the decision will ultimately come down to which team offers the best opportunity for both playing time and success. While he is likely to have a few suitors, teams that have been plagued by injuries at the quarterback position, like the Dolphins, could see Jones as a valuable addition.

The next few weeks will be crucial for Jones as he evaluates his options and considers which team provides the best fit for his skills and future in the NFL. His tenure with the Giants may have ended in disappointment, but a change of scenery could help reignite his career — with Miami, among others, poised to capitalize on his potential.

It’s clear that Jones’ future is up in the air, but one thing is certain: his release from the Giants has added another layer of intrigue to the quarterback market this season.