Robert Tonyan of the Minnesota Vikings
In a move that could help reinvigorate his career, quarterback Daniel Jones is officially a Minnesota Viking. The Vikings announced the signing of Jones, along with rookie edge rusher Gabriel Murphy, to their practice squad on Friday. Both players, who were previously on the team’s radar, now look to make their mark in Minnesota.
Daniel Jones Looks to Revitalize His Career with Vikings
Jones, who brings 70 games of NFL experience to the table, has had a rollercoaster career since being drafted. The former New York Giants quarterback has completed 64.1% of his passes for 14,582 yards, with 70 touchdowns and 47 interceptions. After an up-and-down stint with the Giants, Jones joins the Vikings hoping to reignite his career, potentially following in the footsteps of Sam Darnold, who has found success with the San Francisco 49ers this season.
Jones has had his fair share of ups and downs in the NFL, but he remains a seasoned quarterback who could benefit from a change of scenery in Minnesota. With starter Kirk Cousins recovering from injury and backup Jaren Hall currently sidelined, Jones adds valuable experience and depth to a quarterback room that is in flux. If Jones can rediscover some of his former potential, he could eventually push for a larger role within the team or serve as a valuable backup.
Murphy and the Vikings’ Defensive Depth
In addition to Jones, the Vikings also signed rookie edge rusher Gabriel Murphy to the practice squad. Murphy, who had been on injured reserve earlier this season, has yet to make his NFL debut. The Vikings will look to develop him as part of their defensive depth moving forward.
Roster Moves to Make Room
In order to clear space for Jones and Murphy, the Vikings made a couple of roster adjustments, cutting ties with veteran tight end Robert Tonyan and offensive tackle Julian Pearl. Tonyan, a former Chicago Bear and Green Bay Packer, had been a key contributor in training camp and early in the season, primarily stepping in as a reliable option while T.J. Hockenson recovered from ACL surgery.
However, Tonyan’s role quickly diminished as the season went on. Despite his early involvement, Tonyan saw very limited action on offense, logging just 15 offensive snaps over five games with zero catches. With Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and Nick Muse all healthy, the Vikings felt comfortable parting ways with Tonyan. Pearl, who never made it onto the active roster after joining the team this season, was also released to create room for the new practice squad additions.
Looking Ahead
As the Vikings continue to navigate their season and deal with injuries, the addition of Jones and Murphy could provide valuable depth. Whether Jones will get a chance to play remains to be seen, but his experience could prove beneficial in helping the team navigate through some uncertain quarterback play. For Murphy, his development on the practice squad will be crucial as the Vikings look to strengthen their defense.
The Vikings’ front office continues to show flexibility, making moves that could pay off later in the season as they prepare for a potential playoff run. Time will tell if Jones can make the most of his fresh start in Minnesota, but for now, he will continue to work alongside the Vikings’ coaching staff to refine his game and be ready if needed.
