LIVE REPORT: Is L.A. the Best Landing Spot for Daniel Jones?
For a quarterback who was cast aside midseason by the New York Giants, Daniel Jones is now brushing shoulders with some of the NFL’s most innovative minds. After a late-season stint in Minnesota under the guidance of Kevin O’Connell, Jones is now being linked to yet another offensive guru: Sean McVay, head coach of the Los Angeles Rams.
Let’s break this down: McVay has a well-documented reputation for reviving quarterbacks. He turned Jared Goff into a Super Bowl starter, squeezed flashes of brilliance out of Baker Mayfield, and gave Matthew Stafford the reboot of his career that culminated in a Lombardi Trophy. For Jones, teaming up with McVay could be a career-saving move, giving him a chance to prove he’s more than a cautionary tale of an overpaid quarterback gone wrong.
But here’s the kicker—Brian Daboll, the Giants’ so-called “QB whisperer,” failed to do what McVay might now attempt. Daboll, known for his success with Josh Allen in Buffalo, couldn’t unlock consistency in Jones. If Jones thrives in L.A., it could be a devastating blow to both Daboll’s reputation and a Giants franchise still scrambling for answers under center.
McVay and the Rams: The Perfect Fit?
Bleacher Report analyst Kristopher Knox recently called the Rams the ideal destination for Jones, noting both McVay’s track record and the Rams’ immediate needs:
“Jones could stay in Minnesota and continue learning under O’Connell. However, O’Connell learned under Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay. Going straight to the source could be even better for Jones. With Jimmy Garoppolo set to be a free agent, Los Angeles could use a veteran backup. Jones could fill that role while learning under one of the brightest offensive minds in football.”
Knox also highlighted Baker Mayfield’s brief but transformative run under McVay, which helped him resurrect his career in Tampa Bay. The blueprint is clear for Jones: spend time as a backup, soak up McVay’s offensive brilliance, and position himself for a second act in the league.
With Matthew Stafford turning 37 next month and durability concerns lingering, the Rams need a reliable backup. Jimmy Garoppolo, the Rams’ previous insurance plan, is heading to free agency. This creates a seamless opportunity for Jones to slide in as the next man up.
A Reset for Jones
For Jones, this isn’t just a fallback option—it’s a golden opportunity. Spending a year under McVay could mimic what Sam Darnold experienced with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco: a low-pressure reset in a QB-friendly system. It’s a win-win scenario for both sides. Jones gains valuable mentorship without the pressure of starting, while the Rams get a capable backup for Stafford and a potential reclamation project for McVay.
The Giants’ Dilemma
For Giants fans, the idea of Jones finding success elsewhere stings. The franchise invested $160 million in him, only to see that gamble backfire. While cutting ties was likely the right move, watching Jones thrive in Los Angeles under McVay would be a tough pill to swallow.
To be clear, though, Jones’ struggles in New York weren’t solely on Daboll. The Giants gave him plenty of chances, and while Daboll’s inability to develop him is a blemish on his record, Jones’ own limitations were undeniable.
What’s Next for Jones?
The jury is still out. Could Daniel Jones become the next great McVay success story? Or will this be another failed chapter in a frustrating career? One thing is certain: Jones’ journey to resurrect his career isn’t over, and the Rams may just be the stage for his redemption—or his final act.
Stay tuned. The Daniel Jones QB redemption tour just got a lot more interesting.
