The Minnesota Vikings were the NFL’s surprise team of 2024 over the first month of the season, but their days of sneaking up on opponents are over.
The Vikings are 8-2 and in the running for the No. 1 seed in the NFC entering Week 12. They’ve done it with sound coaching, clutch playmaking, and a talent-rich roster devoid of a major weakness.
That will change this offseason, however, as the Vikings have a high number of key starters playing on expiring contracts. While their pending situations at cornerback and defensive tackle have been a steady topic of discussion, more subtle needs like offensive tackle, running back and backup quarterback could be on GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s radar come March.
Andrew Peters of Bleacher Report recently eyed the quarterback situation playing out with the New York Giants as a potential fit in 2025. Here was his take on why former No. 6 overall pick Daniel Jones could be a fit in Minnesota:
“Sam Darnold has been solid as the Minnesota Vikings starter this season, but his return in 2025 isn't promised. He'll be a free agent this offseason and will likely field a handful of offers given his play this year. Besides, the Vikings will likely want to turn to first-round pick J.J. McCarthy under center anyway. That would open up a spot for Jones to be the Vikings QB2 behind McCarthy. Going to Minnesota also wouldn't close the door on Jones being a starter. If McCarthy struggles early on, the Vikings could turn to an experienced player like Jones and allow the Michigan product to play behind him as he develops.”
The Giants have a potential out in Jones’ contract this offseason, and they’re likely to cut ties after demoting him to third string over the bye week. If he hits the open market, he could be a cheaper option than Darnold, who’s been predicted to land a multi-year contract worth around $28 million per season in free agency.
Jones is only 27 and has 70 career starts. He flamed out in New York, but in his defense, he played for two head coaches — Pat Shurmur and Joe Judge — who were promptly fired, and has been plagued by injuries under the Brian Daboll regime behind some historically terrible offensive line play.
Jones is a tough player with a good arm who’s underrated as a runner. It’s easy to envision him resetting his career with Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota, just like Darnold’s been able to do in 2024.
Assuming Darnold flies the coop, the Vikings could do a lot worse than Jones as McCarthy’s backup next season.
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