Vikings named among 2 ‘likeliest teams’ to sign exiled $160 million QB next week

NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that veteran quarterback Daniel Jones, who was granted his release by the New York Giants, will look to sign with a contending team as soon as next week after clearing waivers.

Schefter then named the two most likely destinations for Jones, and the Minnesota Vikings were one of them:

The Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings are two of the likeliest teams to land free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones, per sources. 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. pic.twitter.com/QS9npZJO34

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 24, 2024
Why would Minnesota look to bring in a player who flamed out in New York with a 24-44-1 overall record as a starter?

It actually makes a lot of sense for both sides.

Giants GM Joe Schoen has been routinely mocked for the $160 million contract he gave Jones that paid him $40M on average per season. While that turned out to be a gross overpay, the Vikings would have the benefit of signing Jones for the veteran minimum of $1.1 million for the remainder of 2024 — and a prorated version of that to boot. That’s an incredibly cheap price for a player with Jones’ age (27) and experience (70 career starts), and Jones would be an obvious upgrade over Nick Mullens as the backup to Sam Darnold heading into the playoffs.

Another benefit of adding Jones now? He represents a possible solution to Darnold’s impending free agency. While the Darnold signing has worked wonders for the Vikings in 2024, he’s expected to land a lucrative, multi-year deal elsewhere next March.

Signing Jones now would essentially give coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikes a leg up on the competition for Jones in 2025. They could identify whether he fits in their system over the next couple of months, and if he does fit, work out a short-term contract that could complete their bridge to recent No. 10 overall draft pick J.J. McCarthy.

It’s possible McCarthy could be ready to take over as the starter in 2025, but after multiple knee surgeries this year, that’s hardly a guarantee. Jones would be a top-tier backup more than capable of starting games, if called upon.

Minnesota currently has one quarterback signed beyond 2024, and that’s McCarthy’s rookie contract. A veteran solution at QB2 is needed, and Jones suddenly shaking free represents the best option.

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