Giants quarterback benched ahead of Week 12 game, what’s next for Daniel Jones?
The New York Giants announced they will bench their starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, in their Week 12 game. We have to ask if Jones has played his last snap with the NFL franchise.
The New York Giants appear to have reached their breaking point with Daniel Jones’ tenure.
The team on Monday confirmed its plan to bench its starting quarterback and replace him with Tommy DeVito. With a five-game skid sending the Giants to 2-8 and Jones having a $23 million injury guarantee for 2025, the odds are stacked against the No. 6 overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft to make a return to the lineup for Big Blue – either this year or beyond.
Where, then, do coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen – both of whom Giants co-owner John Mara has stated he intends to retain for next season – turn at the position in what could be the defining year of their partnership?
Schoen tried to trade up for one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft but was unable to climb the board, and he instead settled for wide receiver Malik Nabers. The 2025 class figures to offer fewer surefire candidates for top-five picks behind center. Given that landscape, the Giants could be a candidate to pursue a veteran signal-caller as a bridge option. And with the Atlanta Falcons’ Kirk Cousins and New Orleans Saints’ Derek Carr currently looking like long shots to be dealt given financial and competitive considerations, New York might need to double dip in both free agency and the draft to feel comfortable about its setup next season.
Here are seven options for players who could serve as Jones’ eventual replacement for the Giants in 2025:
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
His reward for a resurgent season with the Vikings is likely another trip to the open market and his fifth different team in six years. Though he has posted a career-best 100 passer rating, Darnold doesn’t seem to be any threat to hold on to the starting job past this season, with first-round pick J.J. McCarthy expected to take the reins after missing his entire rookie campaign due to a knee injury. After a 5-0 start during which he earned NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors for September, Darnold stumbled a bit and saw his turnover-happy play resurface with a combined five interceptions in wins over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts. That operating style might only be able to be mitigated rather than eradicated, leaving the Giants to weigh how much risk tolerance they have after enduring Jones’ giveaways. Still, he would surely unlock more in the deep passing attack with his aggressive approach.
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
Like Darnold, Fields seems bound to return to the free agent market this spring as another fringe starter who serves as somewhat of a placeholder for a franchise eyeing a top draft pick. His six-game stint leading the Steelers before Russell Wilson’s return assuaged some concerns about his aptitude for that role. His career-bests on several fronts showed a more discerning style (66.3% completion rate, 0.6% interception rate) and quicker trigger (9.09% sack rate), though persistent fumbles led to him being called out by Mike Tomlin. Though Fields bemoaned that he didn’t play well enough to stave off Wilson, he could be a fitting caretaker for the Giants for a season, especially with his ability to extend plays and threaten defenses as a runner.
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Sanders was USA TODAY Sports pick for the Giants in our most recent NFL mock draft. While the 6-2, 215-pound signal-caller might not be considered a truly elite quarterback prospect on the level of last year’s top options at the position, his skill set could set him up for a somewhat smooth transition in New York. Above all, he is a precise passer who is accustomed to facing subpar conditions, particularly with his protection. While he would need to continue to speed up his internal clock in the pocket and play with more anticipation, he would likely be the most starter-ready option in the draft. And with Deion Sanders having referenced that “it’s gonna be an Eli (Manning)” outcome if he and his son don’t like the organization targeting Shedeur, the Giants size up as one of the more quarterback-friendly outfits at the top of the draft.
Cam Ward, Miami (Fla.)
The two-time transfer from Incarnate Word and Washington State has taken advantage of his decision to join the Hurricanes rather than jump to the NFL last year, throwing for 32 touchdowns this season while establishing himself as one of the top two prospects at his position. Given the dazzling downfield strikes and off-platform throws he can ignite with his easy athleticism, it’s not hard to see why teams would take a shot on the 6-2, 223-pounder as a high-ceiling signal-caller. But his future coaching staff might not be able to tolerate his proclivity for turnover-worthy plays the same way his college coaches have, especially if he’s forced into a situation in New York where Daboll and Schoen don’t necessarily have a long runway with his development. Ward would likely need to sit behind a veteran in New York at least to start his rookie season, but that pairing and outcome might be one of the best possible outcomes for both parties.
Jalen Milroe, Alabama
At 6-2 and 225 pounds with breakaway speed and rocket arm strength, Milroe would be the ultimate pivot from the Jones years. As such, he would require a fairly extensive offensive overhaul, with the attack catered to his strengths while obscuring his still-developing game as a passer. Even then, his installation at starter could be delayed for some time unless the Giants are prepared to ride out his issues with his pocket presence and anticipation.
Carson Beck, Georgia
At 6-4 and 220 pounds, Beck looks the part of a franchise passer even if he doesn’t always play like one, as he gets by with functional arm strength and athleticism while thriving in the intermediate game. Sound familiar? Giants fans might not be repelled by a passer who resembles Jones in many ways if it weren’t for Beck’s collapse this season, which has included four multiple-interception games and 12 picks total. Rediscovering his 2023 form (24 touchdowns, six interceptions) and showing greater poise under pressure are necessary steps for Beck to rehabilitate his draft stock. But if the Giants don’t go for a quarterback in the first round, he could be a Day 2 consideration.
Quinn Ewers, Texas
He’s another consideration in the line of high-upside passers who might have to sit and learn behind a more established starter. Ewers’ arm strength has been his calling card since he was one of the most sought-after quarterback recruits of the last 10 years, with the full field available to the 6-2, 210-pound passer. But despite showing signs of significant progress in 2024, the junior still hasn’t been able to establish the consistency that would cement him as a first-round prospect. His stock could still surge, however, if he shows off in the Longhorns’ potential College Football Playoff run.