Daniel Jones Joins Minnesota Vikings After Giants Departure
It’s official: former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has found a new home. According to a source who spoke with ESPN on Wednesday, Jones is signing with the Minnesota Vikings. This move comes just days after Jones became a free agent on Monday, following his release from the Giants.
Jones’ departure from New York was described as a “mutual decision” between the quarterback and the team. After clearing waivers, Jones made it clear he wanted to join a playoff contender, and the Vikings were reportedly high on his list of potential destinations. Now, he’ll be suiting up in purple and gold, stepping into a backup role behind Sam Darnold.
From Starter to Backup: A New Chapter for Jones
In Minnesota, Jones will play second fiddle to Darnold, who has been nothing short of spectacular in his first season with the Vikings. Darnold, another former New York quarterback, has revitalized his career in Minnesota, leading the team to an impressive 9-2 record so far this season. For Jones, this move represents a chance to reset and potentially learn from a quarterback who has successfully turned his career around.
Jones’ tenure with the Giants was a rollercoaster ride. Drafted as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Duke, he was expected to be the franchise’s long-term answer at quarterback. However, his six seasons in New York were marked by inconsistency. Jones finished his time with the Giants holding a 22-44-1 record as a starter, throwing 70 touchdown passes against 47 interceptions. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he struggled to deliver consistent results, and the team ultimately decided it was time to move on.
Giants’ Decision to Part Ways
The writing was on the wall for Jones in New York after he was benched last week. The Giants made it clear they wouldn’t risk an injury to a player they no longer saw as part of their future. On Friday, team owner John Mara released a statement confirming the decision to part ways with Jones, calling it a mutual agreement that was “best for him and for the team.”
For Jones, the move to Minnesota offers a fresh start. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell had nothing but praise for the quarterback earlier this week, even before the signing was official. “I will say tons of respect for Daniel Jones as a player and a person,” O’Connell said. “Got to know him through the draft process years ago. I’m sure now that he’s a free agent and there’s probably a ton of league-wide interest in him, Daniel is going to make the decision that is best for him and his career moving forward, and I’m sure he’s working through that process right now. … I can just say that I’ve been a big fan of Daniel’s for a long time, and I hope wherever his next step takes him, it’s a good opportunity for him.”
What This Means for the Vikings
Adding Jones to the roster gives the Vikings a solid insurance policy at quarterback. While Darnold has been stellar this season, injuries are always a concern in the NFL, and having a capable backup like Jones could prove invaluable down the stretch. For Jones, this is an opportunity to learn from a new coaching staff and potentially rebuild his reputation in the league.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what this move means:
- For the Vikings: They gain a backup quarterback with starting experience and a chip on his shoulder.
- For Daniel Jones: A chance to reset his career and prove he still belongs in the NFL.
- For the Giants: They officially close the book on the Daniel Jones era and move forward with their rebuild.
It’s a fascinating turn of events for a player who was once seen as the future of the Giants. Now, Jones will look to carve out a new role for himself in Minnesota, where he’ll have the chance to contribute to a team with legitimate playoff aspirations. Whether he gets the opportunity to see the field this season remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Daniel Jones’ NFL journey is far from over.
Information from ESPN’s Kevin Seifert was used in this report.
Originally Written by: Kevin Seifert
