Potential landing spots for Erik Jones in 2021

The dominoes in NASCAR's Silly Season are falling fast, and this week's news that Erik Jones' time with Joe Gibbs Racing is nearing an end qualifies as a big piece of the puzzle. With Brad Keselowski off the board after re-signing with Team Penske, Jones and his newly untethered status rocket him atop the current free-agent list. Where will he end up in 2021? Let's explore some of the potential options in the NASCAR garage.

Hendrick Motorsports

Current drivers: Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott, Jimmie Johnson

Scenarios: Each Hendrick driver is locked up through at least 2021 with the exception of retiring seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. Speculation about who would replace him in the No. 48 Chevrolet spiked the moment Johnson revealed his plans, but the organization has taken its time in determining his replacement. Now a 24-year-old talent in Jones fits in that picture.

Likelihood: Is this the leader in the clubhouse? Signs point to a best case for both sides if this comes to fruition.

Chip Ganassi Racing

Current drivers: Kurt Busch, Matt Kenseth

Scenarios: Busch signed a multiyear deal near the end of the 2019 season with the CGR No. 1 team. Kenseth -- another former series champ -- joined Ganassi midstream after Kyle Larson's dismissal from the No. 42 Chevrolet, and results have been mixed for a team that just switched crew chiefs in hopes of sparking a revival. Inserting Jones would give the organization a driver half Kenseth's age.

Likelihood: A worthy fit if a move to the No. 48 falls through.

Wood Brothers Racing

Current driver: Matt DiBenedetto

Scenarios: A series of one-year deals has made DiBenedetto's name an annual topic when the winds of change rise on the Cup Series driver roster. Paul Menard helped hand-pick his successor for the No. 21 Ford last September. If Matty D. can clinch a playoff spot -- he's currently clinging to the 15th of 16 spots on the provisional grid -- it would help solidify his future with the Penske affiliate.

Likelihood: You'd like to think DiBenedetto would be afforded more than one season to settle in and see what he can do with the Wood Brothers. Jones may be too good to pass up.

Stewart-Haas Racing

Current drivers: Aric Almirola, Clint Bowyer, Cole Custer, Kevin Harvick

Scenarios: Harvick is signed through 2023, Custer has a win and a playoff spot in what's been a promising rookie campaign, and Almirola's solid relationship with primary sponsor Smithfield provides some stability for a re-up. That leaves Bowyer's No. 14 ride as a potential home for Jones. Bowyer has indicated he'd like to return to SHR in 2021, leaving any broadcast opportunities to wait. He sits just above the playoff cutline, 14th on the provisional grid.

Likelihood: Stewart-Haas already has one budding Cup Series prospect in Custer, so adding Jones would help the organization skew younger. But SHR's Xfinity Series standout Chase Briscoe (age 25) would be a logical next-in-line choice for the No. 14 if the team opts to hire from within.

JTG Daugherty Racing

Current drivers: Ryan Preece, Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Scenarios: Stenhouse joined JTG Daugherty in 2020 with a multiyear deal, so his status seemingly is safe. Preece's hold on the No. 37 Chevrolet seat seems tenuous as he has ranked outside the top 25 in Cup Series points all season, and currently sits 30th.

Likelihood: Adding Jones would be quite the coup for the two-car organization. But the youngster may not want to take on a rebuilding project unless other options are exhausted.