The Minnesota Vikings didn’t sign Daniel Jones midway through the 2024 season just to have him sit behind Sam Darnold. Instead, they viewed the move as a strategic opportunity for Jones to learn the system and potentially step into a larger role in 2025. With Darnold poised to become a top free-agent quarterback and rookie J.J. McCarthy recovering from meniscus surgery, the Vikings face a pivotal decision at quarterback. By March, they must choose whether to re-sign Darnold or let him walk in free agency. If Darnold departs, Minnesota will need a veteran presence to bridge the gap, especially if McCarthy isn’t ready to start by Week 1. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has hinted that Jones could be that solution, praising his potential in the Vikings’ offense.
O’Connell, who has earned a reputation as a quarterback whisperer, has already worked wonders with Darnold, helping him earn his first Pro Bowl nod and reviving his career. Now, he sees similar potential in Jones, who joined the Vikings in November after being released by the New York Giants. Jones quickly immersed himself in O’Connell’s system, earning praise from teammates like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison for his impressive throws during practice.
The Vikings’ quarterback dilemma is further complicated by Darnold’s expected market value in free agency, where he could command upwards of $30 million annually. While Darnold’s performance has justified such a contract, O’Connell’s ability to maximize quarterback talent might lead Minnesota to explore cheaper alternatives. With McCarthy’s rookie contract offering significant cap flexibility ($5.4 million annually through 2027), the Vikings could allocate resources to strengthen other areas of the roster.
Jones, who could sign a team-friendly deal similar to Darnold’s one-year, $10 million contract from last year, may emerge as the ideal stopgap if Darnold’s price tag becomes too steep. O’Connell’s track record of elevating quarterbacks—evidenced by Kirk Cousins’ record-breaking 2022 season and Darnold’s resurgence—suggests Jones could thrive under his guidance. As the Vikings weigh their options, the decision at quarterback will shape the team’s future, with O’Connell’s coaching prowess once again at the center of the conversation.
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