Nov 13, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) calls a play at the line against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images.
As it stands, the Minnesota Vikings employ Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens, and Bretty Rypien at quarterback.
Rookie passer J.J. McCarthy — who will probably lead the team in 2025 and beyond — is on injured reserve.
And the purple team has a shiny 9-2 record through 12 weeks, virtually guaranteed to visit the postseason, albeit likely as a Wildcard combatant. So when Daniel Jones asked for his release from the New York Giants’ roster last week and later hit free agency, the Vikings became a sensible landing spot.
Fast forward to Monday, and a verdict should be rendered soon regarding his next team.
“Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is expected to clear waivers Monday and have a new home on a one-year deal sooner rather than later, league sources told ESPN,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote over the weekend.
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.
“Multiple playoff contending teams are likely to inquire about Jones and his level of interest, but it will not be long before Jones is finishing the season somewhere other than New York,” Schefter continued. “The Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings are two of the likeliest teams to land Jones, sources said, but they are hardly the only ones. Jones wants to sign with a playoff contender, and what happens Sunday and Monday is expected to influence his decision, sources said.”
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.
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.
No matter what, Jones will also be available next offseason as a free agent. The Vikings could make a run at Jones then, too, as a QB2 if Darnold departs for the highest bidder.
The team that signs Jones this week will be eligible for a compensatory draft pick in 2026 should he leave for a new team in 2025 free agency. Minnesota is low on draft future draft capital at the moment, so that perk is appealing.
Jones will 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.