**Daniel Jones Waived by Giants, Set to Become Free Agent**

On Saturday, the New York Giants officially waived quarterback Daniel Jones, setting the stage for him to become a free agent by Monday afternoon. Benched by the Giants due to inadequate performance, Jones now faces the opportunity to find a new team for the remainder of the season. If he chooses to sign, Jones will likely be offered a veteran minimum contract, giving him a fresh start elsewhere.

General Manager Joe Schoen will now focus on the next chapter of the Giants' plans. Despite some speculation, Giants owner John Mara has reaffirmed his support for Schoen, who signed Jones to a substantial four-year, $160 million contract two seasons ago. Schoen's job security appears to be unaffected by the quarterback’s recent struggle, with Mara well aware of the circumstances that led to the deal.

Back in February 2023, the Giants had to decide between tagging either their running back Saquon Barkley or Daniel Jones, after Barkley declined a long-term deal offering an average annual value of $13 million. They opted to tag Barkley and swiftly negotiated with Jones, a deal many believed to be an overpayment due to limited alternatives. Some argued at the time that overpaying Barkley would have been better, allowing the franchise tag for Jones, which would have significantly impacted the salary cap differently.

Jones' contract, structured with an exit strategy after two years, aligned with performance contingencies. However, his recent seasons did not live up to expectations. In 2023, Jones suffered an ACL tear, and his performance regressed further in 2024. With costly errors this season and the Giants struggling offensively, the decision was made to bench Jones and start Tommy DeVito for the remaining games.

Jones' farewell was marked by a composed acknowledgment of his shortcomings and gratitude towards the organization. Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll, also expected to return in 2025, supported Jones throughout the season even as offensive struggles persisted, suggesting a fresh start with a new quarterback next season.

The fate of Jones now lies in his hands as he contemplates his next move. He could join a playoff-bound team as a backup or sign with a team lacking a clear quarterback for 2025, though this presents the risk of poor performance in an unfamiliar system. Potential destinations floated for Jones include the Chargers, Broncos, Cardinals, Vikings, and notably the Bills, where he would reunite with a familiar offensive system under Josh Allen.

Ultimately, the decision could significantly influence Jones' future career prospects, possibly even positioning him as a coveted backup or starting quarterback elsewhere.