Minnesota Vikings Make Jones Signing Official, Add Recently Cut UDFA to Practice Squad Too

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Daniel Jones
Credit: Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

This season the Minnesota Vikings have gotten more out of Sam Darnold than anyone could have expected. That has highlighted just how good of a coach and developmental leader head coach Kevin O’Connell is. Quarterback Daniel Jones who was waived by the New York Giants last week, has took notice, which led to him agreeing to terms on a contract with the Vikings last week.

Daniel Jones + Minnesota Vikings is official

Sam Darnold has looked great, through 11 games of his fresh start, but more depth talent is never a bad thing. That’s why more than six teams were trying to sign Daniel Jones, after he cleared waivers. In the end, the 27-year-old former No. 9 overall pick chose the Vikings, in a wallet-friendly practice squad deal that became official on Black Friday.

The team also signed (OLB) Gabe Murphy to the practice squad, after he was cut on Wednesday and cleared waivers. To make room for both Jones and Murphy, the released (T) Julian Pearl and (TE) Robert Tonyan.

Understandably, Jones wanted to go somewhere with a great situation. He could have opted to play right away for the San Francisco 49ers, but further development and a possible future opportunity in Minnesota won out.

Related: Sam Darnold Too Expensive for Vikings? Daniel Jones Might be the Better Option Anyway…

Jones started ten games for the New York Giants this season. He has 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His 63.3% completion rate was the lowest of any season for him since 2020.

The Vikings hope to convince Jones that a 2025 season alongside rookie J.J. McCarthy in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, is the best place for him to begin his NFL comeback story. O’Connell is THE quarterback whisperer of the National Football League, right now, and Jones is banking on him for a chance to revive a floundering QB career.

Gabriel Murphy lands on Vikings practice squad

One of the most highly-anticipated signings from Minnesota’s undrafted free agent class was Gabriel Murphy. The edge rusher wowed in early action, and there’s definitely a level of excitement regarding his development. Unfortunately he has been working his way back from injured reserve, and was a roster casualty amid a plethora of moves this week.

Related: Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell Gives Update on Ivan Pace Jr Injury Timeline

Thankfully, Murphy was not claimed on waivers, and the Vikings were able to secure him back on the practice squad, tho he can still be plucked at any time. Murphy has yet to be active for the Minnesota Vikings this season. Gabe Murphy is definitely a long-term play prospect, and a good one to keep in your organization.

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