Aug 24, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left) and New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (right) meet following the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings now have three viable quarterback options in 2024.
After a few days of careful deliberation, free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones has reportedly chosen the Vikings as his next place of employment, joining the practice squad and serving as an insurance policy to Sam Darnold.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted Wednesday, just one day before Thanksgiving when Jones would’ve otherwise started against the Dallas Cowboys as the New York Giants’ starter: “Former Giants QB Daniel Jones plans to sign with the Vikings practice squad, after having cleared waivers, per me, Tom Pelissero and Cameron Wolfe. A new beginning and opportunity for Jones with a chance to the backup.”
Minnesota will now showcase this quarterback room:
The Vikings, too, will be eligible for a compensatory draft pick in 2026 if Jones bolts for a different team in March, so even Jones’ naysayers will have something to look forward to during the upcoming offseason(s).
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis called Jones’ preference for the Vikings a “move that speaks volumes about respect QBs have around NFL for Kevin O’Connell and Minnesota infrastructure.” He added, “This is the type of move this Vikings front office makes, too. The Vikings only have one QB under contract for 2025. Adding Jones keeps all options on the table, and it adds to the potential options. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Co always looking for multiple good paths.”
Minnesota held off the Chicago Bears on Sunday in a bizarre thriller, and the aforementioned Darnold came up hobbled on a play, paving the way for a Nick Mullens appearance. Mullens trotted under center for two plays before Darnold reentered the game, and Darnold has battled various minor injuries since Week 3.
Jones certainly didn’t play well as a Giant this season or last, but the working theory suggests Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell — known as a quarterback whisperer — could unlock his skill set like he’s done with Darnold in 2024. Darnold ranks 10th in the NFL among all qualifying quarterbacks per EPA+CPOE, an efficiency metric measuring expected wins added. But if a hit knocked him down for the count, Minnesota would pivot to Mullens, who has a history of reckless turnovers. Jones is now an option, as well.
In theory, Jones might be an upgrade over Mullens.
The Vikings also showcase a Super Bowl-worthy defense. The Giants did not. Minnesota wouldn’t ask Jones to “do it all,” just as it doesn’t require Darnold to play at an elite level.
Before his release in New York, Jones ranked 26th of 35 qualifying quarterbacks per EPA+CPOE.
He’ll turn 28 in May.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.