Vikings Make Key Call on $108 Million QB Ahead of Crucial Game Against Lions
As the Minnesota Vikings prepare to face the Detroit Lions in Week 18 for the NFC North title and the conference’s No. 1 seed, they’ve decided not to elevate quarterback Daniel Jones to their 53-man roster.
“Vikings did not add QB Daniel Jones to their 53-man roster for Week 18, but they could do it during the playoffs and still have him count in their compensatory draft pick formula,” ESPN’s Kevin Seifert shared on X on January 4.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell hinted at ongoing discussions regarding Jones’ potential activation.
“We’re going to have some dialogue about that [adding Jones to the 53-man roster] as far as timing,” O’Connell said on December 30. “Daniel’s been quietly working hard behind the scenes, and I’m probably even more excited now than when he first joined us because of what he’s shown us. It’s definitely a topic we’ll discuss.”
Jones’ Journey with the Vikings
Jones, previously waived by the New York Giants despite being in Year 2 of a four-year, $160 million contract, joined the Vikings’ practice squad on a one-year, $383,000 deal. While his role in Week 18 remains nonexistent behind starter Sam Darnold, his presence signals potential long-term value.
The Vikings hold three picks in the 2025 draft, with a conditional seventh-rounder possibly adding a fourth. Jones, having already earned $108.2 million in his career, could be an affordable option for a team looking to rehabilitate his career trajectory, much like they did with Darnold.
Darnold, who signed a one-year, $10 million deal, has since elevated his stock with a Pro Bowl season, positioning himself for a lucrative contract. Analysts like Colin Cowherd believe the Vikings could take a similar approach with Jones.
“Daniel Jones as a backup – a big, strong, athletic option – could arguably be the best backup quarterback in the league,” Cowherd remarked on January 2.
Future Implications
Jones has yet to address the media since his initial press conference but remains optimistic about his future in Minnesota. Analysts speculate the Vikings may re-sign Darnold and trade quarterback J.J. McCarthy, leaving Jones as the team’s QB2.
Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti predicted a four-year, $196 million contract with $110 million guaranteed for Darnold, along with a potential trade of McCarthy to either the Seahawks or Raiders.
With current backups Brett Rypien and Nick Mullens set to hit free agency, Jones’ combination of experience and athleticism makes him a logical candidate for a key backup role in 2024 and beyond.
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