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In a surprising turn of events, the New York Giants and quarterback Daniel Jones have agreed to part ways. Jones, currently on waivers, is expected to go unclaimed due to his contract structure, allowing him to enter free agency shortly. This move follows a series of developments regarding Jones' standing with the team and his potential market value.

The Giants' desire to draft a successor became evident during their pursuit of the No. 3 pick in hopes of selecting Drake Maye. This created additional pressure on Jones for the 2024 season, especially as he returned from an ACL tear that sidelined him the previous year. Struggling with performance issues—evident from his seven interceptions and eight touchdowns, alongside 29 sacks—Jones found himself benched by Week 12. The addition of Tim Boyle further indicated Jones' likely position as fourth on the depth chart.

In the interim, Jones took an unexpected step by volunteering to play on the scout team defense, marking what would become his farewell to the Giants. Unlike Derek Carr, who remained on his team's roster post-benching, Jones sought an arrangement facilitating his release. Head coach Brian Daboll acknowledged that while the team was open to keeping Jones for the remainder of the season, his request to move on was accommodated.

As Jones awaits his fate on waivers, his future prospects in the NFL are unfolding. His modest remaining salary and league minimum expectations could make him an appealing option for teams needing experienced backup quarterbacks towards the end of the season. Dianna Russini of The Athletic suggests that Jones might prefer to wait for a starting position to become available through injury or other unforeseen circumstances.

Notable teams like the Cowboys have ruled out pursuing Jones, opting instead to lean on existing options like Cooper Rush and Trey Lance following Dak Prescott's injury. However, insiders believe that teams seeking a steady backup or a bridge quarterback for the next season might show interest. Potential suitors include the Raiders, with connections to Jones' college coach, and the Vikings, who may need an experienced hand to support their first-round rookie J.J. McCarthy, recovering from a meniscus tear.

Jones' situation remains fluid as teams evaluate their quarterback needs heading into the final stretch of the season. Meanwhile, the Giants are poised to select a new franchise quarterback in the 2025 draft, signaling a significant shift in their long-term strategy.