The Minnesota Vikings are looking to improve to 9-2 on Sunday vs the Chicago Bears, and they’ll rely on the arm of 27-year-old 2018 top 10 New York (Jets) draft pick, Sam Darnold, to get it done. Meanwhile, earlier this weekend, yet another 27-year-old former top-10 QB was discarded in the Big Apple. This time, it was 2019 No. 6 overall pick, Daniel Jones, who the Giants officially waived on Saturday.
As expected, the New York Giants are bad this season. They have the opposite record as the Vikings, currently sitting at 2-8. Their scapegoat this week became Jones, which made his release yesterday unsurprising. Once the former Duke Blue Devil clears waivers, he is free to sign with any team.
Minnesota Vikings favorites to sign Daniel Jones?
And according to Adam Schefter (ESPN), one of the most likely teams to land the 6-5, 230 lb QB is the Minnesota Vikings. 2024 QB Sam Darnold is under contract for the remainder of the 2024 season. Then, he becomes a free agent this offseason.
http://The Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings are two of the likeliest teams to land free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones, per sources. But they are hardly the only ones. Jones wants to sign with a playoff contender, and what happens in Week 12 is expected to influence his decision. pic.twitter.com/QS9npZJO34
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 24, 2024
In 10 games this season, Daniel Jones compiled 2,070 yards on 216-of-341 (63.3%) passing, for 8 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Jones would not be competition for Sam Darnold, in 2024. He would be insurance. On top of that, the former Giant would most likely sign for one more season, beyond this one.
One of the main reasons for signing Daniel Jones would be for the 2025 season. JJ McCarthy underwent a second knee procedure recently. You have to think that has the Minnesota Vikings organization a bit nervous about his recovery timeline.
By all reports, head coach Kevin O’Connell still plans on handing the QB reins over to McCarthy next season. But even if Jones is only promised a backup role, that doesn’t mean he won’t get his shot. We still do not know when JJ McCarthy will be able to resume football activities.
Jones checking into the TCO Performance [and QB Rehabilitation] Center?
Without a doubt, locking in a high-class insurance option for 2024 and 2025, even if only for injury, seems like a great idea, if the Vikings can get a deal done. And Daniel Jones’ interest in Minnesota makes a lot of sense, too. Obviously, he sees what they have done with another New York castaway, in Sam Darnold.
Kevin O’Connell is seen as one of the brightest young QB whisperers in the NFL, and his relaxed, calm, patient demeanor is perfect for the fragmented egos of these former 1st round QBs. And Daniel Jones is unlikely to find another starting quarterback role, unless he is rehabilitated.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Activate Tight End from Injured Reserve
After seeing Darnold’s successful stint in the TCO Performance [and QB Rehabilitation] Center, the path to recovery has already been laid out for Jones. Not only is Adam Schefter reporting the Minnesota Vikings as favorites to land Jones, but the Bovada sportsbook also has them as one of the most likely landing spots.
Daniel Jones next team odds
— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) November 24, 2024
Carolina Panthers +170
Minnesota Vikings +300 👀
Pittsburgh Steelers +800
Indianapolis Colts +850
Denver Broncos +850
Las Vegas Raiders +1000
Los Angeles Chargers +1000
Cleveland Browns +1000
Tennessee Titans +1000
Dallas Cowboys +1100