The Minnesota Vikings have kept their quarterback plans under wraps, with veterans Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones, along with rookie J.J. McCarthy, on the roster for evaluation. While two of them could remain, it’s highly unlikely that all three will be on the team next season.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin suggests the Los Angeles Rams as a potential landing spot for Jones, given that he is the newest addition to the Vikings and the team has minimal investment in him. If he joins the Rams, Jones would serve as a backup to two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion Matthew Stafford.
“Matthew Stafford is the unquestioned starter if he returns, but he’s soon to be 37,” Benjamin wrote on January 28. “It’s time Sean McVay gets a younger arm to develop, and he’s embraced reclamation projects before (i.e., Baker Mayfield).”
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox echoed this sentiment, highlighting Jones’ physical traits and previous success with the Giants.
“The Duke product does possess top-tier physical traits and did help New York reach the postseason in 2022,” Knox wrote on January 22. “But to revitalize his career, Jones may need to spend more time developing as a backup like Darnold did with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.”
Jones could remain in Minnesota to continue learning under head coach Kevin O’Connell. However, since O’Connell came from McVay’s coaching tree, Knox suggests that learning directly from McVay might be an even better opportunity for Jones.
Uncertainty Surrounding Vikings’ QB Room
Darnold is expected to command a significant salary after his Pro Bowl season. However, his struggles late in the season and playoffs may limit his market value, potentially making it feasible for the Vikings to re-sign him. Meanwhile, McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft, remains under contract for three more years.
Among the Vikings’ quarterbacks, Jones’ future is the least certain. If the team prioritizes resolving Darnold’s situation first, it could give another franchise the opportunity to sign Jones.
Daniel Jones as the Vikings’ Contingency Plan
Jones, 27, was drafted sixth overall by the New York Giants in 2019. The Giants released him in November despite being in the second year of a four-year, $160 million contract. Over his career, he has earned $108.2 million, per Over The Cap. After clearing waivers, Jones joined the Vikings, initially signing with their practice squad before securing a one-year, $1.1 million contract to join the active roster in January.
His addition could impact the Vikings’ compensatory pick formula. Jones cited O’Connell’s presence as a key factor in his decision to join Minnesota and made it clear he wasn’t looking to disrupt the team’s existing structure.
McCarthy’s health could play a crucial role in the Vikings’ quarterback decisions. If he is fully recovered, Minnesota may move forward with him as the starter while seeking a more cost-effective backup option. While Jones was inexpensive this past season, Over The Cap projects his market value at over $13 million annually.
The Vikings previously signed Darnold to a one-year, $10 million contract during the 2024 offseason.
Rams’ Quarterback Situation Remains in Flux
The Rams received confirmation from Matthew Stafford himself that he intends to return for the 2025 season, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. However, Rams GM Les Snead has not guaranteed that Stafford will remain the team’s starting quarterback and left open the possibility of a trade.
In 2024, the Rams relied on Jimmy Garoppolo as Stafford’s backup. Garoppolo, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, is now 33 and set to become a free agent. With 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett as the only other quarterback currently under contract, Los Angeles may look to add a veteran backup.
“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.”
