Daniel Jones is now officially a member of the Minnesota Vikings, marking a fresh start for the former New York Giants quarterback after a turbulent end to his time in New York. Currently on the Vikings’ practice squad, Jones leaves behind a legacy of dysfunction and mismanagement in New York.
Drafted sixth overall in 2019, Jones arrived in the NFL with high expectations but struggled to meet them. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, including leading the Giants to a playoff win in 2022 (against the Vikings), his tenure in New York was marred by benchings, turnover problems, and heavy criticism.
This season, Jones was benched in favor of undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito and even demoted to a scout team safety, a stark contrast to his early days as a franchise quarterback. While he handled his release professionally, it was clear that a change was necessary for both parties.
In Minnesota, the environment is already more supportive than what Jones experienced in New York. After years of criticism, Jones now finds himself in a low-pressure setting with the Vikings, where he can reset his career under head coach Kevin O’Connell, known for his strong quarterback development. Even NBA star Kevin Durant recently expressed hope that Jones would find a team where he could “play his game,” indicating that some still see potential in him. Additionally, Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson welcomed Jones with a message of encouragement, urging him to leave the past behind and focus on the positive opportunities ahead.
Jefferson’s comments highlight a major difference between Jones’ time in New York and his new opportunity in Minnesota: support. While Jones often faced relentless criticism with the Giants, the Vikings are offering him a chance to leave that negativity behind.
For Jones, this isn’t about proving he’s the future in Minnesota. That role belongs to rookie J.J. McCarthy. But with the backing of teammates like Jefferson and a respected coaching staff, Jones finally has the chance to focus on development without the crushing pressure of being a starter.
Whether Jones becomes a reliable backup or simply takes advantage of this chance to reset his career, the message from Minnesota is clear: the Vikings are a team where players can grow and leave their past struggles behind.
