Daniel Jones will not return to the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, reportedly closing in on the Indianapolis Colts as his next employment destination.
The Daniel Jones Verdict Is In
Jones’ choice boiled down to the Vikings and Colts, with a side dish of the Cleveland Browns who came knocking on Monday, and Jones chose a route that could guarantee more playing time.
NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport tweeted Tuesday, “Vikings QB Daniel Jones is expected to sign with the #Colts, sources tell me and Tom Pelissero. It’s a one-year deal and the parties are finalizing it. While Minnesota was a strong option, Jones opts to compete with Anthony Richardson in Indy.”
“QB Daniel Jones is signing with the Colts on a 1-year, $14M contract worth up to $17.7M, per me and Tom Pelissero, and includes $13.15M fully guaranteed. Really strong deal.”
So, Jones opted not to get stuck behind Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is lined to lead the franchise at QB1 next season, and picked Indianapolis, where he can compete for a starter’s job with Anthony Richardson this summer.
Without Jones, Minnesota will need a new backup quarterback after Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks on Monday and Nick Mullens departed for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Players like Jameis Winston, Drew Lock, Gardner Minshew, or Carson Wentz could make sense.
Jones ranked 26th of 36 qualifying quarterbacks per EPA+CPOE last season, so he will hope to improve that mark in Indianapolis, with a supporting cast that will include running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receivers Michael Pittman and Josh Downs.
The new Colt has started 69 games in his career since joining the Giants as a 1st-Round pick in 2019.
Minnesota signed Jones late last season after the Giants parted ways, ending a six-year relationship. He hit the Vikings’ practice squad, where he remained until the postseason. Minnesota called Jones up to the active roster for its playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Because of the maneuver, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will be eligible for a 2026 compensatory draft pick after Jones’ departure, in addition to probable incoming comp picks for Sam Darnold and Camryn Bynum. Adofo-Mensah worked the system.
Without Jones on the current roster, the Vikings have just two quarterbacks under contract: J.J. McCarthy and Brett Rypien.
Jones has logged 85 total touchdowns in his career to 97 interceptions + fumbles.
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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 MIN 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.