The New York Giants moved on from Daniel Jones earlier this season, but it seems like the Minnesota Vikings are buying all the way in on a redemption arc for their practice squad quarterback. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Vikings may let Sam Darnold walk in free agency next year, opting to re-sign Jones to back up first-round rookie J.J. McCarthy. Scratches head.
Darnold has played his way into a possible $100 million deal on the open market, per Schultz, and the Vikings apparently don’t want to be part of that bidding war. Instead, they see Jones as a cost-effective insurance policy. Pairing Jones with McCarthy, who is recovering from a torn meniscus, might make sense financially, but from a football standpoint? It’s hard not to feel a little skeptical.
The idea of Jones sticking around as a trusted QB2 for Minnesota is almost laughable. This is the same quarterback New York gave five-plus years to prove himself, only to bench him for Tommy DeVito. But hey, if Kevin O’Connell thinks he can unlock something the Giants couldn’t, good luck with that.
The Minnesota Vikings could re-sign Daniel Jones in 2025 free agency
Jordan Schultz’s report suggests the Vikings see value in keeping Jones as a backup, especially with McCarthy’s health still in question. “It’s very realistic,” Schultz said on The Herd, pointing out Jones’ familiarity with the system could help smooth the transition for McCarthy as he works his way back.
The plan is clear: Minnesota keeps Jones on an affordable deal, gives McCarthy time to develop, and possibly picks up a compensatory draft pick if Darnold signs elsewhere. From a front-office perspective, it’s a solid strategy. From a performance perspective? That’s where it gets murky.
It’s becoming clear in league circles that Sam Darnold will command a high price this offseason and could be out of the #Vikings’ budget.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 7, 2024
Here’s what could happen at quarterback next season for Kevin O'Connell and Co., via @TheHerd with @colincowherd: pic.twitter.com/zdCzYngTlA
Jones hasn’t exactly inspired confidence during his time in Minnesota—or anywhere else, for that matter. His Giants tenure was marred by turnovers and inconsistency. Now in Minnesota, he’s played exactly zero meaningful snaps and has done nothing to suggest he’s a reliable option.
If the Vikings want to bet on McCarthy as their long-term starter, that’s fair. But Daniel Jones as the backup plan? That feels like a gamble. Yes, Jones has size, athleticism, and experience, but he’s never shown he can be more than a placeholder. And when the Giants gave him five-plus years to prove otherwise, he didn’t exactly make the most of it.
It’s also worth noting Darnold’s resurgence this season is a big reason the Vikings are in playoff contention. With 2,952 yards, 23 touchdowns, and a 67.6% completion rate, he’s been more than serviceable. If McCarthy isn’t ready to take the reins next year, are the Vikings really comfortable handing the offense to Jones?
This whole scenario is a head-scratcher. Minnesota can talk all they want about Jones’ football IQ and untapped potential, but New York fans, and NFL fans for that matter, have seen enough to know what they’re getting. If the Vikings want to double down on Jones as their Plan B, more power to them—but let’s just say expectations should be kept in check.
In the end, this feels like another chapter in the ongoing saga of Daniel Jones: oozing with potential, but very few results. Whether the Vikings truly believe he can be a valuable backup or just see him as a cost-saving measure, it’s hard not to feel like they’re setting themselves up for disappointment.