Matthew Stafford’s future is already a hot topic surrounding the Los Angeles Rams, fueling speculation that they could be the ideal destination for former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.
Jones was released by the Giants in November, just two years into a four-year, $160 million contract. He subsequently joined the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad but did not see any game action.
With Jones’ future in Minnesota uncertain, analysts are weighing his options.
“The Duke product does possess top-tier physical traits and did help New York reach the postseason in 2022. But to revitalize his career, Jones may need to spend more time developing as a backup like [Sam] Darnold did with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox on January 22.
“Jones could stay in Minnesota and continue learning under [Kevin] O’Connell. However, O’Connell learned under Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay. Going straight to the source could be even better for Jones.”
Knox suggests the Rams are the “best landing spot” for Jones.
“With Jimmy Garoppolo set to be a free agent, Los Angeles could use a veteran backup,” Knox wrote. “Jones could fill that role while learning under one of the brightest offensive minds in football.”
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Rams Could Be Good for Daniel Jones
Jones has spoken positively about the environment created by Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, a culture partially inspired by O’Connell’s time working under McVay, both before and with the Rams.
Knox draws a comparison to Baker Mayfield, who spent five games with the Rams at the end of the 2022 season.
“Baker Mayfield’s brief partnership with McVay shouldn’t be forgotten by any quarterback who’s looking to resuscitate his career,” Knox wrote. “That’s exactly what Mayfield did with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following his five-game stretch in L.A.”
Jones might find similar opportunities in Minnesota, but the Vikings have 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings. After missing his rookie season with a torn meniscus, McCarthy is expected to return healthy in the spring.
The timeline for Jones’ potential return as a starter could influence his decision. Several quarterback-needy teams may also consider the former No. 6 overall pick from the 2019 draft.
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Matthew Stafford Uncertain About Future
Stafford’s recent comments have left the Rams in a precarious situation. With Garoppolo hitting free agency at 33 years old and 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett still unproven, the Rams face uncertainty at the quarterback position.
Los Angeles holds the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 draft, but clarity on Stafford’s future would significantly shape their plans.
“I’ll talk about my present. Obviously, proud to be associated with this group – coaching staff, front office, group of players, training staff, equipment, guys – everybody, man. It was a hell of an effort all year to get to this point,” Stafford told reporters on January 19.
“As far as my future goes, it’s 30 minutes after the last game. So I’ll take some time to think about it. But I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball.
“Got to where we wanted to be, had a chance for it, and didn’t get it done. But I love competing, I love being in those moments, I’m sure as hell not afraid of them, and competed my a** off. And it didn’t go the way I wanted to today. Next time I’m out there, we’ll line it up, let’s do it again.”
Whether or not Jones is the right fit to replace Stafford remains a separate but pressing issue for McVay and the Rams’ front office.
