Quarterback Daniel Jones has agreed to a deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Jones was a free agent after being released by the New York Giants last week.
Jones signed for the remainder of the season at a salary of $375,000. He will reportedly join the Vikings’ practice squad, giving him the opportunity to be picked up by another team that could give him playing time.
Vikings’ head coach, Kevin O’Connell, confirmed Jones’ arrival during a press conference on Wednesday.
“I’ve always been a fan [of Jones],” O’Connell told reporters. “Love, really liked the person, the human being, the makeup, and then the player, Daniel Jones. I think there’s so much out in front of him that are going to be really good things that we get to personally be a part of, and I can’t wait to work with him.”
Drafted sixth overall in 2019 by the Giants, Daniel Jones largely struggled to make an impact as a pro. His best season came in 2022 when he led the NY team to a 9−6−1 record and a playoff appearance by throwing for 3,205 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Jones played particularly poorly this season, throwing for 2,070 yards, eight TDs, and seven picks in 10 games. The Giants went 2-8 during that period and decided to demote him to a third-stringer after the stretch. The player asked and was granted release several days later.
Reportedly, Jones had multiple offers, including an opportunity to play a prominent role with the Las Vegas Raiders, who are down two top quarterbacks at the moment. However, Jones wanted to join a more stable organization and was looking to become part of a postseason contender.
Barring an injury to starter Sam Darnold, Jones shouldn’t see any playing time in Minnesota. However, he will get to be part of a great organization and get coached by Kevin O’Connell, who has a reputation as a “quarterback whisperer.”
