After benching quarterback Daniel Jones earlier in the week, the New York Giants honored his request for a release on Friday and made the move official.
“Daniel came to see me this morning and asked if we would release him. We mutually agreed that would be best for him and for the team,” co-owner John Mara said. “Daniel has been a great representative of our organization, first class in every way.
“His handling of this situation yesterday exemplifies just that. We are all disappointed in how things have worked out. We hold Daniel in high regard and have a great appreciation for him.
“We wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
Although Jones is unlikely to be claimed off of waivers due to his contract, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that he is expected to be signed to a one-year deal shortly after clearing.
Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is expected to clear waivers Monday and have a new home on a one-year deal sooner rather than later, league sources told ESPN.
No team is expected to claim the balance of Jones’ contract — $11,833,333 for this season in addition to the $23 million in injury guarantees for after this season — making him officially free to sign with another team after 4 p.m. ET on Monday.
More specifically, Schefter reports that Jones will have multiple options and is likely to join a playoff-contending team.
Jones, who was officially waived Saturday by the Giants, is expected to have multiple options but likely will prefer to finish this season on a playoff-contending team, where he will be involved in big games, rather than going to a meandering quarterback-needy team not remotely in playoff contention, according to sources.
A playoff team likely eliminates the Dallas Cowboys, a team fans have been clamoring for Jones to join. However, it does not eliminate the San Francisco 49ers or other teams previously speculated as possible destinations from signing the former No. 6 overall pick.