Daniel Jones is back on the active roster—but not for the New York Giants. The Minnesota Vikings announced they’ve signed the former Giants quarterback ahead of the 2025 playoffs, waiving Brett Rypien in a corresponding move. It’s a savvy decision by the Vikings, but one that adds another layer of frustration for Giants fans still processing the wreckage of Jones’ tenure in New York.
The #Vikings have signed QB Daniel Jones to the 53-man roster and waived QB Brett Rypien. pic.twitter.com/ycem45v50j
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 7, 2025
After being released by the Giants in November, Jones landed on Minnesota’s practice squad for $375,000, a modest deal that gave him a shot at redemption with a playoff-bound team. Now, with the postseason looming, the Vikings’ decision to activate Jones seems less about his potential to play and more about maximizing his value in free agency.
For a Giants fanbase still reeling from a 3-14 disaster, watching Jones shift from franchise hope to strategic chess piece is tough to stomach. It’s a reminder of how far the organization has fallen—and how far they still have to go.
Daniel Jones: A compensatory pick in the making
Let’s not sugarcoat this: Jones’ activation isn’t about him taking snaps in the playoffs. Minnesota has a clear pecking order at quarterback with Sam Darnold leading the way after an unexpectedly stellar season, finishing with 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and a 14-3 record. Behind him is Nick Mullens, leaving Jones as a distant insurance option.
So why the move? By adding Jones to the active roster, the Vikings make themselves eligible for a compensatory pick if he signs elsewhere in free agency. It’s a smart play by Minnesota, leveraging a player they signed for peanuts into potential draft capital. For a playoff team looking to stay ahead in the NFL’s chess match of roster building, it’s a no-brainer.
While it’s unlikely Jones will see the field for the Vikings’ playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, his activation is still a bitter pill for Giants fans. Minnesota has turned a castoff quarterback into a potential future asset, while the Giants are left scrambling for answers at nearly every position.
For Big Blue, this offseason looms large. With the No. 3 overall pick, they have a chance to find their next franchise quarterback and begin the long process of rebuilding. But moves like this one by Minnesota show what a functional organization looks like: calculated, forward-thinking, and unafraid to make tough calls.
Jones’ journey from Giants starter to Vikings backup-turned-compensatory-pick-candidate is a strange one, but it’s also a clear reminder of how much work remains for New York. The Vikings aren’t just playing football—they’re playing the system. And for now, the Giants are left watching from the sidelines.