The Minnesota Vikings haven’t been the most likely destination for Sam Darnold in recent weeks, and now similar uncertainty surrounds Daniel Jones.
Jones joined the Vikings after the New York Giants released him mid-season, despite being just months into his $160 million contract.
Ironically, he had signed that deal after leading the Giants to a playoff victory over Minnesota in January 2023.
Although Jones never played a snap for the Vikings in 2024, spending the season behind Darnold and Nick Mullens, he has had time to learn the playbook, build chemistry with key playmakers like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and develop under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Minnesota always knew retaining Darnold would be challenging, and now that challenge appears even greater.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, both the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to aggressively pursue the 27-year-old quarterback when free agency begins on March 10.
As a result, Jones is suddenly a much more crucial piece of the Vikings’ quarterback puzzle. He could either compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job or serve as a veteran backup in 2025.
Convincing Jones to embrace a potential backup role was already a tough sell. Now, with his leverage increasing due to Darnold’s likely exit, securing him at a reasonable price becomes even more difficult. This marks the first major setback for Minnesota as they navigate their quarterback situation.
Vikings Expected to be ‘Leading Contenders’ for $108 Million QB: Report
The Minnesota Vikings are evaluating their quarterback options as speculation grows that Sam Darnold will depart in free agency. Fortunately, they anticipated this possibility by signing Daniel Jones and drafting J.J. McCarthy.
With external doubts about McCarthy’s readiness for the 2025 season, Jones has become a key figure in Minnesota’s plans.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Vikings are now considered frontrunners to retain Jones.
“The Vikings and Colts are expected to be the leading contenders to sign Daniel Jones, per source,” Russini reported on X on March 9. “The 27 year old will most likely have to make a decision: play for HC Kevin O’Connell or HC Shane Steichen.”
The Colts have emerged as a potential contender to sign Daniel Jones in free agency.
However, earlier reports suggested that other undisclosed teams are also showing interest in the former New York Giants quarterback.
“Daniel Jones has quietly had a strong market,” CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported on X on March 7. “A return to the Vikings can’t be ruled out, with interest from Indianapolis and others still there.”
The Giants released Daniel Jones in the second year of his four-year, $160 million contract. Additionally, he has accumulated $108 million in career earnings.
This financial security allows Jones to prioritize the right team fit over salary considerations, whether with the Vikings or another team in free agency.
