EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have added a new player to their unofficial quarterback revitalization initiative under head coach Kevin O’Connell: Daniel Jones.
Jones, the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, recently sought his release from the New York Giants and was signed to the Vikings’ practice squad on Friday. He expressed enthusiasm about joining a team with a strong 9-2 record and a reputation for fostering a player-friendly atmosphere alongside a coach skilled in quarterback development.
“It’s been a crazy last couple of weeks, for sure. I’m really excited to be here and see this as a fantastic opportunity,” Jones remarked after completing his first practice session with the Vikings. “I’m eager to learn the system, build relationships with my teammates, and contribute to the team’s success.”
Jones had faced struggles with the Giants, amassing a 24-44-1 record as their starting quarterback before being benched. The team, which currently sits at 2-10, appeared wary of the $23 million injury guarantee in his contract for the 2025 season.
Despite receiving a significant contract extension at the beginning of the 2023 season, Jone’s tenure with New York saw him win only three additional games. His standout season in 2022 included leading the Giants to the playoffs, boasting an impressive interception rate and rushing for 708 yards. Notably, his playoff performance against Minnesota, where he passed for 301 yards and two touchdowns along with 78 rushing yards without a turnover, greatly influenced New York’s decision to invest in him financially.
Reflecting on his rookie year, which ended on a sour note, O’Connell shared, “I may have mentioned to him this morning that our team is looking forward to returning to U.S. Bank Stadium, and I’m sure he is as well. It feels like just yesterday that we had that afternoon.”
Fast forward two years, and Jones finds himself back in a familiar environment focused on quarterback development. Another former New York quarterback, Sam Darnold, who was drafted by the Jets before Jones was selected by the Giants, has seen a resurgence under O’Connell’s guidance. This comes after rookie J.J. McCarthy, viewed as Minnesota’s future quarterback, suffered a knee injury during the preseason. Currently, Nick Mullens holds the primary backup position, with Brett Rypien serving behind him.
If Jones steps onto the field this season, it may present challenges for the Vikings. With Darnold, Mullens, and Rypien set to be free agents soon, the organization will need a reliable veteran in 2025 to support McCarthy’s return from injury. Jones could fit that need, especially as he may not command starting-level contracts during the upcoming offseason.
O’Connell highlighted that the coaching staff is focused on both immediate and long-term plans for Jones, indicating a dual approach: “We’re establishing a foundation for the future while also making sure that if Daniel is called to play, it’s not a waste of time in our present efforts.”
As Jones settles in, he understands the importance of keeping pace with current preparations. “These guys are game-planning to win, and I don’t want to slow that down,” he noted. “It’s my responsibility to catch up and dedicate time outside of meetings and practices to learn the material.”