The Minnesota Vikings appear to be moving on from Sam Darnold, leaving two pressing questions for the front office: When will rookie J.J. McCarthy be ready to take over as the franchise quarterback, and who will serve as the bridge to his NFL debut? According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, one potential solution is re-signing Daniel Jones, who briefly joined the Vikings midseason in 2024.
“One possibility that shouldn’t be overlooked is re-signing Daniel Jones to pair with J.J. McCarthy,” Fowler wrote on March 2. “People I’ve spoken to believe that’s a real consideration for the team. McCarthy has already proven to the staff he’s the franchise quarterback, but they won’t rush his timeline. Jones could be a cheaper bridge option compared to Darnold.”
Jones, released by the New York Giants halfway through his four-year, $160 million contract ($92 million guaranteed), is now looking to rebuild his value. Despite his hefty earnings as the No. 6 overall pick in 2019 and his Giants deal, Jones is expected to come at a reasonable price. His decision to join the Vikings last year after clearing waivers—despite other opportunities offering a better chance to start—suggests confidence in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system and the offensive roster.
While several teams are searching for starting quarterbacks this offseason, Jones lacks the leverage to command a massive deal in 2025. However, a strong showing as a bridge starter in Minnesota could boost his value ahead of 2026, even if the quarterback market isn’t as favorable. For the Vikings, Jones represents a cost-effective, experienced option to ease McCarthy’s transition while maintaining flexibility for the future.
Leave a Reply