EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings will be adding another former first-round pick to its quarterback room.
Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed Wednesday that the team is in the process of signing Daniel Jones, the former No. 6 overall pick in 2019, as first reported by NFL Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Cameron Wolfe. Pelissero reports that Jones will be signed to the Vikings' practice squad, so the financial investment will be minimal.
Jones was released by the New York Giants last Friday after being benched in favor of Tommy DeVito. Jones signed a massive four-year, $160 million extension following the 2022 season after putting together one of his best performances as a pro in the NFC wild-card round against the Vikings.
"Still kind of working through the final details on that — some roster maneuvering and things — but we're anticipating Daniel to arrive Friday morning," said O'Connell during his Wednesday press conference. "Very much looking forward to that."
In that game on Jan. 15, 2023, Jones completed 24 of 35 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns as the Giants upset the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jones, a former Duke standout, was selected in the first round of the 2019 and appeared in 13 games his rookie season. He threw for a career-high 24 touchdowns in that rookie campaign and appeared destined to take over as the team's franchise quarterback. However, he only surpassed 20 total touchdowns once more over the next five seasons.
As a starter in 2024, Jones led the Giants to a 2-8 record before being benched and ultimately released.
In 2022, Jones helped lead the Giants to the postseason by throwing for 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns, while rushing for 708 yards and 7 scores. New York earned a wild-card spot and eventually took down the Vikings, who finished the regular season 13-4, behind Jones' stellar playoff debut.
"I've always been a fan — really like the person, the human being, the makeup," O'Connell said of Jones. "And then the player Daniel Jones, I think there's so much out in front of him that are going to be really good things that we get to personally be a part of, and I can't wait to work with him."
Jones, who will reportedly start on the practice squad, will have a chance to become the Vikings' backup behind current starter Sam Darnold, but he could also be part of the team's future plans with Darnold playing on a one-year contract. Minnesota does have 2024 No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy, but he's recovering from a significant knee injury and has never played a snap in an NFL regular-season game.
Should McCarthy suffer any setbacks in his recovery, Jones could be an option to take over as Minnesota's starting quarterback in 2025. While his career with the Giants was sporadic, Jones' physical skills have never been questioned and perhaps he could find some success playing in Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell's quarterback-friendly system — much like Darnold this season.
