How Much Money Would the Vikings Make for Daniel Jones?
Remember when the Minnesota Vikings lost to Daniel Jones in the playoffs? Ed Donatell’s defense was terrible, and the New York Giants quarterback tore apart the opposition. That earned him a $160 million payday, and then he was ultimately cut and landed on the Minnesota roster as Sam Darnold’s backup.
How Much Money Would the Vikings Make for Daniel Jones?
This offseason, the Vikings have another quarterback quandary. J.J. McCarthy was drafted in the first round just a year ago. He intended to eventually take over for Sam Darnold and elevate to consistent starter status. That didn’t happen because of his injury.
Instead, Darnold rolled all year on a $10 million contract. The veteran castoff got to work with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and others. Kevin O’Connell and Josh McCown helped coach him. A one-time first-round pick that flamed out in New York and Carolina had a breakout season.
Darnold’s only question this offseason is how much he will get paid and by whom. That is reflective of what the Minnesota Vikings afforded him. There’s no reason for Minnesota to foot that bill. If they need a veteran starter, then putting Daniel Jones in the same boat makes great sense.
Jones has already been paid during his NFL career. He was a first-round pick and got the second gaudy contract. Now, he can go somewhere and work to find himself again. He brings a higher floor for the Vikings than they started with when looking to integrate Darnold.
Jones has won a playoff game. He has been an integral part of good teams. He has won. He has been humbled. The Giants are a dumpster fire, and that’s the same situation Darnold found himself in with Carolina and the Jets. Jones being allowed to start for the Vikings would considerably boost his future.
The reality is that Minnesota should be turning the page to McCarthy at some point in 2025. That may not be Week 1, and if it isn’t, then there’s no better option than Jones. He won’t be the same quarterback he was with the Giants while having ample weapons and competent coaching. He won’t cost hardly anything while still counting his sizable check from his last destination.
There’s no reason to re-sign Sam Darnold when Daniel Jones is right there. The Vikings could make him a considerable amount of money, too.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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