**Logic Points to Vikings Filling Sam Darnold’s Role with Daniel Jones – But Could Cardinals Steal Him Away?**
The Minnesota Vikings appear to be considering Daniel Jones as a potential veteran bridge quarterback to replace Sam Darnold. Jones, who was signed midseason after his release from the New York Giants, has drawn praise from both general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell. Adofo-Mensah called Jones a “potential option” during his end-of-season press conference, while O’Connell expressed confidence in Jones’ ability to run the Vikings’ offense during an appearance on Super Bowl radio row.
However, Jones’ future in Minnesota isn’t guaranteed. With growing optimism that rookie J.J. McCarthy could be physically ready to start Week 1 after recovering from knee surgery, Jones might find better opportunities elsewhere. According to Johnny Venerable of *The PHNX Sports* podcast, the Arizona Cardinals showed “significant interest” in signing Jones when he was released in November and could revisit the idea during free agency in March.
“The Arizona Cardinals, per sources, called about Daniel Jones multiple times within the last calendar year,” Venerable said on February 11. “[General manager] Monti Ossenfort had a significant interest in signing Daniel Jones. Don’t be surprised if Daniel Jones is an Arizona Cardinal during free agency.”
**Kyler Murray’s Uncertain Future in Arizona Creates Opportunity for Jones**
Three years ago, questioning Kyler Murray’s future with the Cardinals would have been unthinkable. The former No. 1 overall pick won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and earned back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances. But since signing a five-year, $230.5 million extension in 2022, Murray has struggled, posting a 14-22 record as a starter. Despite Arizona’s efforts to rebuild the offense around him—drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. and developing Trey McBride—Murray has yet to deliver a winning season.
The current Cardinals regime, led by Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon, inherited Murray and may not be fully committed to him long-term. Arizona could cut or trade Murray next offseason, absorbing $20 million in dead cap but saving $35.3 million in future cap space, per Spotrac. If Jones were to sign with the Cardinals, he’d find himself in a similar role as in Minnesota—backing up a young, high-drafted quarterback—but with a clearer path to starting given Murray’s shaky standing.
**Vikings’ Quarterback Dilemma: Darnold, Jones, or McCarthy?**
The Vikings’ quarterback situation remains fluid. Sam Darnold, the top free-agent quarterback available this offseason, is expected to draw significant interest. Minnesota could use the franchise or transition tag on Darnold, allowing a potential trade partner to negotiate an extension exclusively with him. Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy remains the long-term answer for the Vikings, which could make Jones’ role in Minnesota less appealing compared to a potential opportunity in Arizona.
O’Connell emphasized the importance of communication with all three quarterbacks—Darnold, Jones, and McCarthy—during a February 13 appearance on *The Dan Patrick Show*. “I talked to Sam yesterday for a long time, talked to Daniel Jones for a long time,” O’Connell said. “I just want those guys to know that our relationship matters. The communication between me and those guys has to be paramount.”
As the Vikings weigh their options, Jones could find himself at a crossroads: stay in Minnesota as a bridge quarterback or pursue a more promising opportunity in Arizona. With free agency approaching, the quarterback carousel is just beginning to spin.
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