Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew suffered a season-ending collarbone injury on Sunday, throwing the team’s quarterback situation into disarray.
With Aidan O’Connell also banged-up, the Raiders are scrambling to fill the void under center.
Meanwhile, former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has emerged as a potential option after being released by Big Blue, sparking speculation about his next move.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport fueled the chatter by connecting Jones to the Raiders even before Minshew’s injury.
“Former Giants QB Daniel Jones is expected to clear waivers Monday and sign this week,” Rapoport reported before yesterday’s game. “Three of his many intriguing options: 49ers, Ravens, and Raiders.”
When news of Minshew’s injury broke, Rapoport doubled down on his report.
“I mention[ed] the Raiders as a possibility for Daniel Jones. The season-ending injury for Gardner Minshew makes it more interesting for Jones. One to watch.”
Jones, who struggled to cement himself as a franchise quarterback in New York, might not be a long-term solution for the Raiders, but his presence could stabilize their offense during a turbulent stretch.
Backup quarterback Desmond Ridder stepped in for Minshew on Sunday but failed to impress, underscoring the urgency for an upgrade.
Even if Jones is signed as a backup, his experience provides a safety net the team currently lacks.
For Jones, signing with the Raiders could offer a chance to prove himself and rebuild his value in the league.
It should be noted that the feeling is Jones would prefer to sign with a Super Bowl contending team.
Needless to say, the Raiders don’t qualify as one this season.
However, the Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, and San Francisco 49ers do. (Yes, the Niners still have to be considered a contender, even at 5-6.)
The 49ers suffered a disappointing loss on Sunday with Brandon Allen under center, and questions linger about Brock Purdy’s health.
If Purdy’s shoulder issues continue, Jones could step in as a backup or even a starter if needed. (Would it really surprise anyone if Kyle Shanahan is able to work his magic with Danny Dimes?)
For Jones, joining the 49ers would mean working under Shanahan, whose offensive system has revived the careers of other quarterbacks, including Sam Darnold.
Darnold, a former New York Jets starter, flamed out with the Panthers but regained form in San Francisco before earning a starting role with the Minnesota Vikings.
Sunday’s events may have slightly redeemed Jones after the Giants’ offense struggled without him.
New York’s replacement quarterback, Tommy DeVito, managed just seven points in a lopsided 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While Jones was far from perfect in New York, the Giants’ struggles highlighted that their issues run much deeper than the quarterback position.
In many ways, Jones was set up to fail with the Giants.
With the Raiders facing the Kansas City Chiefs on Black Friday, time is of the essence for Las Vegas to make a move.
The same can be said for the 49ers who are desperately seeking to turn their season around.
The road won’t get any easier for Shanahan’s team as they’ll head to Buffalo to take on the red-hot Bills this coming Sunday.
Jones will officially clear waivers at 4pm EST today. At that point, he will be free to sign with any team.
Where do you think Danny Dimes will end up???
