Vikings Sign Ex-Giants Quarterback Daniel Jones to Practice Squad: What This Means for His Future

In a surprising turn of events, the Minnesota Vikings have decided to sign former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones to their practice squad. Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced this move on Wednesday, shortly after the Giants benched Jones in favor of rookie Tommy DeVito and subsequently granted him his release request on November 22. This acquisition allows Jones a crucial six-week evaluation period, providing both him and the Vikings an opportunity to assess potential compatibility for the upcoming season.

O’Connell first crossed paths with Jones in 2019 when he was the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Football Team, where he evaluated college draft prospects. Their professional relationship has taken off recently, with O’Connell expressing enthusiasm about having Jones join the team. "I had some great dialogue with him, and it was really exciting when he called and told me he was coming," O’Connell said.

As it stands, J.J. McCarthy is the only quarterback securely under contract with the Vikings for 2025. If Sam Darnold, currently serving as the starting quarterback, leaves the roster due to free agency, the team will need an experienced signal-caller to work alongside McCarthy as he potentially steps into a starting role next season.

Daniel Jones, a former sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season. His time with the Giants has been tumultuous, marred by injury and inconsistent performance, including a serious ACL tear that limited his effectiveness. This year alone, Jones has completed 63.3% of his passes for 2,070 yards, with eight touchdowns against seven interceptions, but the Giants have struggled to a disappointing 2-8 record during his starts.

Vikings’ coach O’Connell sees immense value in Jones's experience, noting the importance of quarterback development. "He’s played a lot of football — over 70 career starts, counting postseason games," O’Connell remarked. He acknowledges that a quarterback's failure or success often reflects the surrounding team's support, and he remains keen on working with Jones to refine his skills.

Darnold, who previously shared the New York spotlight with Jones when they were both emerging quarterbacks, expressed optimism about Jones joining the Vikings. He highlighted the positive environment within the organization, which has earned a reputation as a quarterback “retreat.” This reputation stems from the team's robust coaching staff and the talented skill players surrounding their quarterbacks.

Should Jones find success in Minnesota, the Vikings may offer him a one-year contract that mirrors the deal Darnold signed this season, indicating a commitment to supporting Jones as he works to revitalize his career.

As Jones steps into this new chapter with the Vikings, both sides stand to gain from this strategic move. Whether he will ultimately secure a more permanent role within the franchise remains to be seen, but this opportunity could very well be the fresh start Jones needs to redefine his NFL journey. Stay tuned to see how this unfolds!