Daniel Jones could actually have a market to start in 2025.
The failed Giants first-round pick is gaining some interest as a free agent, as ESPN.com reported the Colts and Browns have shown interest in the former top-10 draft pick.
Both teams have extremely unsettled situations at quarterback.
The Browns are without Deshaun Watson, who tore his Achilles twice in the the last six months and seems like a long shot to play next season.
Even when healthy there were plenty of concerns over Watson’s play. The Browns could represent a potential shot for Jones to be a starter next season.
Indianapolis has top draft pick Anthony Richardson at the top of its depth chart, but his 2024 season was plagued by inconsistent play and marred by a decision to pull himself out for one play in Week 8 against the Texans because he was tired.
Forty-year-old Joe Flacco was more effective as the starter in Indianapolis, but the Colts ultimately went back to Richardson as the starter at the end of the season.
But Flacco’s success under head coach Shane Steichen could give hope that Jones could resurrect his career there.
Flacco threw for 1,761 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in seven games, while Richardson played in 12 games and accumulated just 1,814, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Should Jones join the Browns, he could be competing with a premium draft pick.
Cleveland has the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft and could opt to select a quarterback, with Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado lightning-rod Shedeur Sanders considered the top options.
Jones, 27, was terrible for the Giants team the last two years, combining for 10 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 16 games played since 2023.
He was 3-13 as a starter in those games.
Despite having a massive contract, the Giants benched him for backup Tommy DeVito and later cut Jones at his request.
The Minnesota Vikings added him to their practice squad and he was elevated to Sam Darnold’s backup for their playoff loss to the Rams.
If the Vikings opt not to re-sign Darnold, Jones could remain in Minnesota and compete with JJ McCarthy for the starting job.
McCarthy missed his entire rookie season with a torn meniscus.
