The newly-released QB would be a quality backup for a number of teams fighting for the playoffs, or more
The Internet thinks it would be hilarious to see Daniel Jones in a Dallas Cowboys uniform when they play the New York Giants on Thanksgiving Day. The Cowboys said Friday that they are not interesting in signing Jones, so that isn’t happening.
There are, though, plenty of teams that should sign the 27-year-old. My view is that Jones, with 69 regular season starts and a playoff victory on his resume, would significantly upgrade the backup quarterback situation for a number of playoff-caliber teams.
Here are five.
Philadelphia Eagles
I know, I know. John Mara would blow a gasket if this happened, and so would many in the fan base. But, it makes a ton of sense.
The backup quarterbacks for Jalen Hurts with the NFC East-leading Eagles are Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee. Jones would clearly be an upgrade over both. Jones, like Hurts, can use his legs to make plays. The caliber of the Philly receivers might also help with some of Jones’ ball placement issues. Besides, Saquon Barkley is there.
Can you imagine Jones starting at quarterback for the Eagles in Week 18 at MetLife Stadium? More importantly, can you imagine Hurts getting injured at some point and BOTH Barkley and Jones having a role in the Eagles winning a championship?
Baltimore Ravens
The backup quarterback for Lamar Jackson in Baltimore is 38-year-old NFL vagabond Josh Johnson. That’s right — Josh Johnson. In a career that began in 2009, Johnson has now played for an NFL record 14 teams. Only “been on” is more appropriate than “played for.”
In all those years, Johnson has started in nine regular season games. He has started two games since 2018, and none in the regular season since 2021. He was forced to start a playoff game for the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, going 7 of 13 for 74 yards as the 49ers lost the NFC Championship Game to the Eagles, 31-7.
This is another place that makes sense. Jones is a far superior option to Johnson, and while he isn’t as explosive a runner as Jackson his playing style suits the Baltimore offense.
San Francisco 49ers
Speaking of the 49ers, starting quarterback Brock Purdy is not playing this weekend due to a shoulder injury. Journeyman Brandon Allen is, backed up by journeyman Joshua Dobbs.
Yes, Dobbs started 12 games a season ago and had a brief ‘DeVito-Mania’ style run with the Minnesota Vikings, but the fact that he is not starting Sunday tells you what Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers think.
Allen? His last NFL start was in 2021. He threw three passes for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022, and hasn’t thrown one since.
Jones might not be a perfect fit for Shanahan’s offense, but he is a better player than Allen or Dobbs. Landing with Shanahan, even for a couple of months, might be a great opportunity for Jones to learn and grow as a quarterback. It certainly seems to have helped Sam Darnold.
Detroit Lions
The Lions are 9-1 and have Super Bowl aspirations. The backup for Jared Goff in Detroit is the untested, unknown Hendon Hooker. While the former Tennessee quarterback is intriguing, and the suggestion is sometimes made that the Giants should try to acquire him to see what he can be, I wouldn’t be comfortable putting my Super Bowl dream in his hands now.
This would be another great spot for Jones to learn. Goff has had a career resurgence after leaving the Los Angeles Rams, and Ben Johnson is a top-tier offensive coordinator.
Can you imagine what it would do for Jones career if he were to land in Detroit and do a Jeff Hostetler impersonation in helping lead the Lions to a championship?
Miami Dolphins
No one wishes another concussion upon Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Yet, every time onrushing defenders get near him it makes you cringe.
The Dolphins are 4-6, currently on the outside of the AFC playoff picture. They have a chance to sneak in with Tagovailoa. Without him, they went 1-3 with Skylar Thompson, Tyler Huntley and current Giants No. 3 quarterback Tim Boyle playing in Tagovailoa’s place.
Jones might not be a perfect match for head coach Mike McDaniel’s rhythm-based offense. He is, though, far superior to any non-Tagovailoa option the Dolphins have used this year.
This is another place where exposure to a different system could enhance Jones’ career.
Final thoughts
There are plenty of bad teams with long-term quarterback questions where Jones could land — the Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers come to mind. There are probably others.
If I am Jones, though, and a playoff-caliber team with a good offense comes calling, that’s where I would go.
