Ideal Landing Spots for Daniel Jones, QBs Looking to Revive NFL Careers

Six years ago, Daniel Jones was the No. 6 overall pick of the NFL draft. Two years ago, he signed a $160 million contract extension with the New York Giants. 

Today, the 27-year-old is about to become unemployed and in search of his third employer in a four-month span, as there’s a good chance the Minnesota Vikings focus elsewhere while he hits free agency.

And Jones isn’t the only former highly touted quarterback looking for a place to revive his career. 

Dallas Cowboys reserve Trey Lance, 24, was a third overall pick just four years ago, but he might also hit free agency in search of a third pro team next month. Zach Wilson was taken second overall in the same draft as Lance, and the 25-year-old Denver Broncos backup is also likely to hit career roster No. 3 as a free agent this offseason.

Justin Fields is another 25-year-old from the first round of that same 2021 draft, and he could also be looking for a third team if the Pittsburgh Steelers let him hit the open market in March. 

There are also some older players who experienced success and/or came into the league with big reputations who are potentially facing their last opportunities for rejuvenation. Guys such as 31-year-old former top pick Jameis Winston, who had some nice moments with the Cleveland Browns in 2024, or constant-near-hit Jimmy Garoppolo, who is 33. 

Both are slated to hit free agency, along with Marcus Mariota, Carson Wentz and the more highly touted Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson (who are better-positioned to secure key roles in 2025).

Where would be ideal places for some of these guys to land in order to jump-start their careers? 

Let’s run through the list while counting them down from least to most ideal.

Inhospitable

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You’d be better off signing as a clear-cut backup somewhere else and hoping for an injury to the starter...

12. Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson doesn’t look as though he’ll be a factor, but the Browns are a bad, dysfunctional team (again) and could also take a quarterback second overall. This is better than no starting job at all, but it shouldn't even be Jameis Winston's top choice. 

11. New Orleans Saints: Even if they move on from Derek Carr, it’s an indication a rebuild is about to get underway. It’s hard to revive a career under those circumstances. 

10. Tennessee Titans: There's a good chance they take a quarterback first overall. But regardless, they’re coming off a 14-loss season in which they ranked bottom-six in both points for and allowed. There's just not enough weaponry or support.

It's Complicated

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There’s a path to success, but it's full of obstacles...

9. New York Giants: Teaming up with Malik Nabers could work wonders, but that third overall pick is a big elephant in the room. That said, there could be a window before a rookie gets his chance. 

8. Minnesota Vikings: Getting a shot here would require them to move on from Darnold and it would require the signee in question to beat up second-year first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. If that happens, you'd have tons of support and weapons. 

7. Seattle Seahawks: Geno Smith is the guy, but this is another prove-it year for the well-supported veteran, and the Seahawks don't have the draft capital to realistically add 2025 insurance.

Promise is in the Way, but There's a Chance

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Teams with intriguing but still unproven young first-round picks in the QB1 spot...

6. Carolina Panthers: It's probably a make-or-break year for 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, who could easily fall out of favor in a matter of weeks. That said, the support isn't top-notch.

5. Indianapolis Colts: There's an even better chance Anthony Richardson bombs early in his third year (if not sooner), but the support situation is similar here. 

4. Atlanta Falcons: In the way is sophomore first-round Michael Penix Jr., but he has just three starts under his belt. Sign on as his backup this spring and it's entirely possible you're starting games in a stacked offense at some point in the fall.

Prime Locations

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The ingredients just might be there...

3. Los Angeles Rams: The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue reports that it is "not a given" Matthew Stafford will remain with the Rams, who are always talented and competitive under Sean McVay. Even if the 37-year-old sticks around, he's likely running out of time and could even be supplanted in 2025.

2. Las Vegas Raiders: The QB1 opening is there, they have plenty of talent in the trenches and oodles of money to spend on additional support. Plus, they might lack the draft capital to land a potential franchise QB. 

1. New York Jets: The roster has the talent, the Aaron Rodgers era is over, and they might not be able to land a primo prospect with the No. 7 pick in this draft class. If they don't shoot for the relative stars with Wilson or Darnold, one of these lesser-heralded guys could be in the perfect place at the perfect time.