In a surprising yet intriguing move, former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is joining the Minnesota Vikings, marking a new chapter in his career after a tumultuous end to his tenure in New York. The Vikings, who are navigating uncertain quarterback waters, are bringing in Jones to add depth to their position, potentially setting the stage for both short-term and long-term decisions at the most important spot on the field.
A Fresh Start After a Rocky Exit in New York
Jones, who became a free agent on Monday after clearing waivers following a mutual parting of ways with the Giants, is set to join the Vikings on a one-year deal worth $375,000 for the remainder of the season. The 26-year-old quarterback is expected to join Minnesota’s practice squad on Friday, pending final contract details, with the possibility of being activated if the need arises in the next few weeks.
Jones’ decision to sign with the Vikings comes after he reportedly expressed a preference for joining a playoff contender, which makes sense given his desire to regain his standing as a starting quarterback. Minnesota, currently sitting with a 9-2 record, fits the bill as a team with playoff aspirations and a need for depth at quarterback.
Kevin O’Connell, head coach of the Vikings, shared his excitement about Jones’ arrival. “I’ve always been a fan of Daniel Jones,” O’Connell said. “I really liked the person, the human being, and then the player. I think there’s so much out in front of him, and I’m excited to work with him.”
Vikings’ Quarterback Room in Flux
While Jones is likely to begin his tenure in Minnesota on the practice squad, the Vikings’ quarterback situation remains fluid. The team currently has Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens, and Brett Rypien on the active roster, with J.J. McCarthy on injured reserve after suffering a season-ending knee injury. McCarthy, a rookie out of Michigan, is expected to be part of the Vikings’ future plans, though his rehabilitation will keep him sidelined until 2025.
Darnold, who was initially seen as a bridge option for the Vikings, has surprised many with his play this season. Leading the team to a 9-2 record and already surpassing his career-high for touchdown passes (21), Darnold has made a strong case for a starting job, whether in Minnesota or elsewhere. The 2024 offseason will be crucial for him as he likely seeks a significant free-agent contract, and the Vikings may have to decide whether to extend him or look for another option.
Despite his impressive play, Darnold welcomed Jones to the team, acknowledging Jones’ extensive experience in the league. “Just excited to get him in here and be teammates with him,” Darnold said. “He’s played a lot of football, so just to be able to draw from his experience on certain things, he’s going to help this football team.”
Evaluating Jones for 2025 and Beyond
For the Vikings, bringing Jones into the fold gives them another option as they begin looking toward the future. Jones will likely spend the rest of this season backing up Darnold and Mullens, but his time with Minnesota could serve as an evaluation period for both the player and the team.
If Jones performs well in practice and integrates into the Vikings’ system under Kevin O’Connell, one of the NFL’s top quarterback developers, it could set the stage for a potential role in 2025. Given that McCarthy is still in the team’s long-term plans, Jones could be paired with him as part of Minnesota’s quarterback duo moving forward.
One of Jones’ most memorable performances came in January 2023 when he led the Giants to a wild-card playoff win over the Vikings. In that game, Jones threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 78 yards, a performance that would help earn him a four-year, $160 million contract extension with New York. However, his time in New York ended on a sour note, as Jones struggled to maintain consistency, resulting in a benching and ultimately the team’s decision to part ways with him.
Jones’ Time in New York: A Mixed Legacy
Jones’ six years with the Giants were filled with ups and downs. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Duke, Jones was expected to be the long-term solution at quarterback for the Giants. While he showed flashes of promise—particularly as a dual-threat quarterback—his tenure in New York was marred by inconsistent play, injuries, and turnover issues. With a career record of 22-44-1, 70 touchdown passes, and 47 interceptions, Jones leaves New York with mixed results.
The Giants’ decision to part ways with Jones came after he was benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor. The team had no interest in risking an injury that could have triggered a $45 million guarantee for 2025, leading to the mutual decision to move on. Jones’ departure was amicable, with Giants owner John Mara stating that the move was “best for both parties.”
What’s Next for Daniel Jones?
As Jones embarks on this new chapter with the Vikings, his future remains uncertain. His performance in the final weeks of the season, alongside the development of McCarthy and the Vikings’ evaluation of their long-term quarterback options, will likely dictate whether Jones remains in Minnesota beyond this season or seeks an opportunity elsewhere.
For now, Jones will focus on helping the Vikings as they push for the playoffs. If all goes well, this move could mark the beginning of a new opportunity for Jones to rebuild his career—one that could see him return to starting status in 2025. Whether he’s backing up Darnold or eventually becoming part of Minnesota’s long-term plans, this fresh start offers Jones a chance to prove he’s capable of leading a team again.
