Vіkіngs Mаy Pursue $19 Mіllіon Duаl-Tһreаt QB іf Tһey Mіss on Dаnіel Jones

The Minnesota Vikings are among the top suitors for former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, which is a strong indicator of where the team feels it stands at the quarterback position with six regular season games remaining and Sam Darnold on an expiring contract. 

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Sunday, Nov. 24, that Minnesota will take a run at Jones once he clears waivers Monday afternoon. 

"The Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings are two of the likeliest teams to land free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones, per sources," Schefter wrote on X. "But they are hardly the only ones. Jones wants to sign with a playoff contender, and what happens in Week 12 is expected to influence his decision."

Minnesota can't guarantee it will land Jones, as he will pick his destination if he isn't claimed off waivers within the next 24 hours. Given that doing so would cost any team more than $11 million this year and carry an injury guarantee risk of $23 million more makes that wildly unlikely. 

However, the Vikings clearly want more security at the position, particularly after Darnold suffered an injury scare in the fourth quarter of Minnesota's Week 12 win over the Chicago Bears. He left the game for only two plays, though Vikings fans were certainly holding their breath as Darnold writhed on the field in pain for several seconds before walking off under his own power. 

Nick Mullens is the backup in Minnesota, as J.J. McCarthy will remain sidelined for the rest of his rookie campaign with a knee injury. While Mullens has proven himself a capable thrower of the football under Kevin O'Connell's scheme, he finished last season 0-3 as the starter. 

Hence, the Vikings' very real interest in Jones. However, that interest may extend beyond the stretch run 

of this season and into 2025. 

McCarthy will enter Week 1 of his second professional campaign absent a single snap of regular season experience, which is a lot of pressure on a young QB and a big wager for the Vikings to make with a team likely to earn a playoff spot in 2024.

Having a player like Jones on the roster, either as the Week 1 starter or a seasoned backup, makes sense for Minnesota -- especially if Darnold leaves in free agency, which is likely due to his projected annual value now coming in at approximately $32.5 million. 

All of this is to say that the Vikings may be back in a position to sign a quarterback come the next free agency period, and former Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers starter Justin Fields might be the answer. ESPN listed Fields as the 18th-best free agent overall in the 2025 class and the second-best quarterback behind Darnold.