The Las Vegas Raiders have effectively been eliminated from the Daniel Jones sweepstakes.
After the former New York Giants quarterback and sixth overall pick in 2019 was released last week, it was no surprise that teams looking to improve their quarterback room would have some interest. For the Raiders, the pitch to Jones was simple: they could promise him the playing time that other teams could not. With Gardner Minshew’s season-ending broken collarbone, the Raiders could add Jones into their lineup almost immediately and see what he is capable of in their offense.
Unfortunately, Jones was quick to put an end to those rumors. According to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, despite the Raiders having definite interest, the free agent quarterback will not be going to Las Vegas.
Sources: Despite interest from the #Raiders, free agent QB Daniel Jones has eliminated Las Vegas from his consideration (contrary to other reports).
The former #Giants’ QB is weighing substantial interest from multiple playoff teams, and wants to join a postseason contender. pic.twitter.com/vKhrRvJVcY
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 26, 2024
Schultz’s report is in line with others stating that Jones wants to join a playoff contender, even if only in a backup capacity. Sitting at a 2-9 record and currently on a seven-game losing streak, it is painfully obvious that the Raiders do not check that box.
What should be even more damning from the Raiders’ perspective is that he turned down a clear path towards starting. While other interested teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings have entrenched starters already, Jones has clearly shown he does not mind serving as a backup if it means developing in a more stable situation. With too much inconsistency on offense and uncertainty in multiple spots for next season, the Raiders simply could not provide that for Jones right now.
With Jones being off the table, the Raiders will turn to the combination of Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder to replace Minshew and see if either one can hold down the fort the rest of the way.
This Raiders season has long been dead and buried. Jones turning them down serves as just another twist of the knife.
