Vikings QB Daniel Jones Makes Headlines Amid Uncertain Future in Minnesota
The Minnesota Vikings boast a quarterback room filled with former first-round picks: current starter Sam Darnold, injured rookie and No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy, and practice squad addition Daniel Jones, formerly of the New York Giants.
Jones, the newest member of the Vikings, recently turned heads with a classy gesture toward his former Giants teammates. Despite being released by New York less than a month ago, he sent limited-edition bottles of Clase Azul tequila to the offensive linemen who had protected him during his time there. The gesture was highlighted by ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, who shared on December 20: “Daniel Jones with a class move … He may not be the Giants QB anymore, but he sent all the offensive linemen who were on the roster with him a limited edition bottle of Clase Azul.”
Jones’ future with the Vikings remains uncertain. While currently on the practice squad, he previously signed a four-year, $160 million deal with the Giants in 2023 and has earned $108.1 million over his career, according to Over The Cap. His release left the Giants with a $69.3 million dead cap hit spread over two seasons, including $47.1 million in 2024 the second-largest single-season cap hit in NFL history.
Former Teammates Weigh in on Jones’ Role in Minnesota
Veteran offensive lineman and former teammate Justin Pugh believes Jones could fill a role for the Vikings akin to what Darnold was expected to provide. “You signed Daniel Jones to almost fill the role that Sam Darnold was going to fill before the year started,” Pugh told Sportscasting. He added that Jones experience as a starter makes him a valuable asset, especially with rookie J.J. McCarthy recovering from a preseason meniscus injury.
McCarthy injury, sustained in the preseason opener, required surgery and ended his rookie year before it began. Though he is expected to be ready for training camp, the time missed has set back his development, potentially opening the door for Jones or Darnold to play a larger role in 2025.
What Lies Ahead for the Vikings’ QB Room?
Darnold has had both strong performances and rough patches as the Vikings starter, raising questions about whether head coach Kevin O Connell might have turned to McCarthy if the rookie had been healthy. McCarthy recovery and readiness for next season will heavily influence the Vikings quarterback decisions.
Meanwhile, Jones remains a compelling option. With half of NFL teams using multiple quarterbacks this season due to injuries or inconsistency, his experience as a starter makes him a valuable depth piece. Whether as a backup or potentially a bridge quarterback, Jones has positioned himself as a key figure in the Vikings quarterback strategy for the future.
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