The Minnesota Vikings have unofficially started a quarterback revitalization program under coach Kevin O’Connell, and the newest participant is Daniel Jones.
Jones, who was drafted sixth overall in the 2019 draft, asked for his release from the New York Giants last week and was signed to the Vikings’ practice squad on Friday. He decided to join the 9-2 team because of its reputation for having a player-friendly environment and a coach skilled at developing quarterbacks.
“It’s been a crazy last couple of weeks, for sure. Certainly a lot going on. At the end of the day, I’m excited to be here. This is an awesome opportunity,” Jones said after his first practice with the Vikings. “I’m looking forward to learning the system and building relationships with these guys and helping the team.”
Jones was benched by the Giants after starting 24-44-1 as their quarterback. The Giants, now 2-10, were looking ahead to the $23 million injury guarantee on his 2025 contract. Jones had received a contract extension before the 2023 season with a $40 million annual average value, but he only won three more games for New York.
His performance in 2022, which helped the Giants make the playoffs, led to the team’s financial commitment. In a wild-card playoff game against Minnesota, Jones passed for 301 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 78 yards without turning the ball over, which was the game that solidified his extension.
“I may or may not have said to him this morning, ‘Our team is really looking forward to getting back to U.S. Bank Stadium. I’m sure you are too,’” O’Connell said, reflecting on the disappointing end to his first season. “I remember that afternoon like it was yesterday.”
Now, two seasons later, Jones finds himself back in quarterback school. Sam Darnold, another former high-profile quarterback from New York, has made a strong comeback in O’Connell’s offense. This happened after rookie J.J. McCarthy, seen as the potential future of the team, suffered a knee injury in the preseason. Nick Mullens is likely the primary backup, with Brett Rypien behind him on the depth chart.
If Jones were to play this season, it would likely mean the Vikings are in a tough situation. However, with Darnold, Mullens, and Rypien all having expiring contracts, the Vikings will need a proven veteran in 2025 to pair with McCarthy once he’s recovered from his injury. Jones might be a good fit for that role, even though he didn’t comment on his future when speaking to reporters.
“You’re really doing two things at once: You’re building a longer-term kind of foundation, but at the same time keeping a mindset on — if Daniel’s called upon to play, we want to make sure we’re not wasting time — on the present,” O’Connell said.
Jones has a lot of work ahead of him to get up to speed with the Vikings’ system.
“These guys are game-planning, focusing on winning, so I don’t want to slow anything down with that,” Jones said. “It’s on me to catch up, to take the time outside of meetings, outside of practice, to learn it.”
