The Minnesota Vikings appear to have settled on their quarterback plans for the 2025 season.
Reports suggest that the team has decided against pursuing Aaron Rodgers, instead opting to add a seasoned backup to support and mentor young QB J.J. McCarthy. One name that the Vikings were reportedly considering for this role was Daniel Jones, who had joined mid-season the previous year. However, Jones, who was cut by the New York Giants after a disappointing 4-year, $160 million contract signed in 2023, chose to sign with the Indianapolis Colts for $14 million last week.
While fans and writers in Indianapolis weren’t exactly excited about the signing or the price tag, some in the media believe it could turn out to be a savvy move. National NFL reporter Lindsey Thiry called the deal the “bargain signing of free agency,” citing Jones’ potential to challenge third-year QB Anthony Richardson for the starting role in Indianapolis.
Thiry noted that Jones, who had impressed coaches and teammates while on the Vikings’ practice squad last season after being released by the Giants, could either prove himself as a starter or help push Richardson to improve.
This view was shared by others, including Tyler Brooke from The 33rd Team, who also praised the Colts for their move. He explained that Jones, a big, mobile quarterback, could offer much of the same skill set as Richardson, even if he lacks the latter’s arm strength. According to Brooke, the deal is a win-win for the Colts—either Jones has a successful comeback in Indianapolis, or his presence drives Richardson to reach his full potential.
As for the Vikings, it’s clear they had an interest in bringing Jones back to serve as McCarthy’s backup. However, the $14 million price tag may have been too high for a team that made several significant financial commitments this offseason.
The Vikings added several key players, including offensive linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, and cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. They also re-signed key players like nickel corner Byron Murphy Jr., running back Aaron Jones, and safety Harrison Smith for one more year.
Given their current win-now mindset, coming off a 14-win season with a quarterback on a rookie deal, the Vikings may have simply found it too costly to add a backup QB at that price. Even if they had matched the Colts’ offer, Jones might have preferred the opportunity to potentially start in Indianapolis, where the future of Anthony Richardson remains uncertain.
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