The Minnesota Vikings face several quarterback decisions this offseason, and their rumored interest in different players sheds light on their potential plans regarding Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and J.J. McCarthy.
Darnold is set to enter free agency, while McCarthy’s recovery from knee surgery raises questions about when he’ll be ready for full participation and how much he can handle early on.
This uncertainty could make Jones an appealing option for the Vikings.
“The Vikings want Daniel Jones back,” KTSP’s Darren Wolfson said on “SKOR North” on January 21. “If there’s some sort of setback [with McCarthy], maybe Daniel Jones plays a little bit in September. But that’s something to weigh. But I do know the Vikings absolutely want Daniel Jones back.”
This is promising news for Jones, especially considering Wolfson had previously qualified the Vikings’ interest when they first pursued the former New York Giants quarterback.
Vikings ‘Absolutely’ Wanted Daniel Jones After Release From Giants
Daniel Jones #13 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on after a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
“I was told the Vikings, at least one team official, had a conversation with Daniel Jones last night. So it came out over the weekend that the Vikings are in the mix. The Ravens are in the mix. I was told the Lions have made a phone call. There are six or seven teams trying to sign Daniel Jones. The Vikings are one of those teams,” Wolfson said on the show in November.
“The Vikings have an excellent relationship with his representation at Athletes First, and the Vikings also have a connection with Kyle Rudolph—former New York Giants teammate of Daniel Jones. They share that agency connection. Just some things to think about. The Vikings are in the mix. We should get some closure on this relatively soon. Doesn’t mean he’s coming here. But the Vikings absolutely do want Daniel Jones.”
The Giants waived Jones on November 22, and Wolfson’s report came shortly after on November 24. By November 27, Jones had signed with the Vikings.
It remains unclear if the Vikings’ interest in retaining Jones is a reflection of Darnold’s possible departure in free agency or concerns over McCarthy’s readiness. Wolfson suggested the Vikings might envision Jones and McCarthy as a potential 1-2 punch at quarterback.
Best Option for Daniel Jones?
Daniel Jones #13 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Jones must also consider whether returning to the Vikings is his best move, as he might not secure a starting role right away.
“Is there anyone that would give him the opportunity to play right away, sign him to a one-year deal comparable to the Sam Darnold deal, and throw him the keys right away?” Wolfson said on the January episode of “SKOR North.” “Or is he better off going through a full year of quarterback rehab school, work with Kevin O’Connell, be a backup to McCarthy? Maybe [he] even plays right away depending on if McCarthy is ready or not.”
Darnold, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings in the 2024 offseason after stints with the Jets and Panthers, may leave for another opportunity in free agency.
Meanwhile, Jones—already within the Vikings organization—has an advantage that could expedite his development under the team’s system. Having earned $108 million in his career, according to Over The Cap, Jones signed a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Vikings after being waived by the Giants during Year 2 of a four-year, $160 million contract.
The Vikings’ decision, along with Jones’ own considerations, will determine whether his journey with Minnesota continues.
