5 Free Agent Destinations for Daniel Jones
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones will hit free agency in two days if the purple team doesn’t re-sign him.
5 Free Agent Destinations for Daniel Jones
His future in the Twin Cities might depend on Sam Darnold’s decision — to stay or leave.
And if Jones departs to a new franchise via free agency, these are his five likeliest landing spots listed in ascending order (No. 1 = most likely destination), including in his current employer.
5. Cleveland Browns
Quarterbacks under Contract in 2025:
Deshaun Watson
Dorian Thompson-Robinson
Kirk Cousins is a fit, too, in Cleveland because of the connection to Kevin Stefanski, but in case the Browns strike out on Cousins, Jones could be gettable for $10-$12 million.
No matter who — a rookie or a cheap veteran — the Browns will need a quarterback to lead the club in 2025 because Deshaun Watson will miss the whole season after aggravating his torn Achilles.
Jones could be that.
4. Los Angeles Rams
Quarterbacks under Contract in 2025:
Matthew Stafford
Stetson Bennett
It’s not sure that Jimmy Garoppolo will return as QB2 for the Rams in 2024, so Jones, as a backup plan, could check some boxes.
Stafford turned 37 last month, and this is the age when injuries begin to accumulate. Adding a high-end backup for Los Angeles might be mandatory.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Quarterbacks under Contract in 2025:
Anthony Richardson
Jim Irsay said earlier this offseason that his organization would onboard a veteran passer to compete with Richardson, and he probably wasn’t lying.
Jones is a sensible candidate, equipped with 69 games of starter’s experience. He might actually be a perfect passer to pair with Richardson for a summer battle.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterbacks under Contract in 2025:
Aidan O’Connell
Let’s say the Raiders want to draft a prospect like Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, or Quinn Ewers in six weeks. Well, Las Vegas will need a patchover option for one of those rookies. They won’t be ready.
At a slim cost, Jones could fill the bridge quarterback assignment in Las Vegas.
1. Minnesota Vikings
Quarterbacks under Contract in 2025:
J.J. McCarthy
Brett Rypien
There’s a reason that Minnesota was the franchise that signed Jones late last season — it foresaw this very scenario around the bend.
Sam Darnold will likely depart for a new team next week, the Vikings will need an experienced QB2 behind J.J. McCarthy, and Jones will be at least half the price of Darnold.
Jones really, really makes sense as Minnesota’s QB2 in 2025.
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.
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