Daniel Jones has found a new home. Days after being cut by the New York Giants, Jones is headed to the NFC North to sign with the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad.
Why Did the Vikings Sign Daniel Jones?
While Jones will start his Vikings tenure on the practice squad, he will have a chance to be promoted to the active roster to finish the 2024 season.
The former first-round pick could compete with incumbent Minnesota backup Nick Mullens, who became Sam Darnold’s caddy after Vikings first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury during the preseason.
The Giants, who cut Jones to avoid a potential 2025 injury guarantee from kicking in, are still paying him $11 million or so for the rest of the year. As such, any team that signed Jones would’ve only owed him the prorated minimum — $375,000 — to complete the season.
Jones might make even less on the Vikings’ practice squad, although veteran NFL insider Josina Anderson reports the two sides are still discussing compensation. Either way, Jones was a no-brainer addition for general manager head coach Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell.
BREAKING: Former #Giants QB Daniel
Jones is signing with the #Vikings, sources tell @NFLonFOX.Jones had several options, but prioritized a team in contention with a QB-friendly offensive system and a coaching staff known for maximizing player potential. pic.twitter.com/WCRHSK7JuD
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 27, 2024
Minnesota wasn’t the only team connected to Jones after his Giants release. The Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and Las Vegas Raiders were also mentioned as possible destinations.
Jones reportedly prioritized joining a contending club with a history of quarterback development — and the Vikings fit that bill.
Minnesota is 9-2 entering Week 13. The Vikes are virtually assured of a postseason spot — PFN’s Playoff Predictor gives them a 95% chance of making the dance — while the NFC North is still in play. Minnesota is one game back of the division-leading Lions and still has roughly a 20% shot at the NFC North crown.
Moreover, O’Connell has become known as something of a quarterback whisperer.
Darnold, like Jones, was a former top-six draft pick who struggled under center — until he connected with O’Connell this season. Darnold has completed over 67% of his passes in 2024, tossed 21 touchdowns, and ranks 16th in PFN’s QB+ grades.
Jones may not see the field during his Minnesota stint, but working with O’Connell and the rest of the Vikings’ staff could be a short-term boon to his future prospects.
Jones, Sam Darnold Poised To Hit 2025 NFL Free Agency
Jones and Darnold are probably looking at a few months — or, in Darnold’s case, a few more months in purple.
Both quarterbacks are scheduled to reach free agency next March. The Vikings selected McCarthy 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he’s still the club’s quarterback of the future despite tearing his meniscus during the exhibition campaign.
While Minnesota may want to install a veteran backup behind the unproven McCarthy in 2025, Darnold and Jones will likely have better options on the open market.
Darnold is far and away the best quarterback available in 2025 free agency. While he’s regressed since his hot start, the 27-year-old will likely land $30+ million annually on his next contract.
After Darnold, the free agent quarterback crop isn’t overly impressive. QB-needy teams could take a chance on Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or Jameis Winston, but next year’s market is mostly comprised of backups.
Like Darnold, Jones is still only 27 years old. Depending on how Wilson finishes the year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jones could compete with the veteran to become the second-highest-paid quarterback in 2025 free agency.