The rumor surrounding Daniel Jones has added another layer of uncertainty to the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation for the 2025 season. Jones, who joined the Vikings midway through the 2024 campaign after a high-pressure start to his NFL career with the New York Giants, is set to become a free agent in March. While some assume he’ll re-sign with Minnesota to serve as J.J. McCarthy’s backup, there’s no guarantee, especially with reported interest from other teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jones, with 69 career starts under his belt, brings valuable experience as a starting quarterback, making him an attractive option for teams in need of quarterback help. The Steelers, in particular, are rumored to be considering him as a potential fit for their offense under Arthur Smith, especially given head coach Mike Tomlin’s preference for mobile quarterbacks. This interest from Pittsburgh could complicate the Vikings’ plans, as Jones might prioritize a team where he has a better chance to compete for a starting role.
Financially, both the Vikings and Steelers are in similar positions, with Minnesota projected to have $63.3 million in cap space and Pittsburgh $60.3 million, per OverTheCap.com. Jones isn’t expected to command a hefty contract, so affordability isn’t the issue. Instead, the decision may hinge on where Jones sees the best opportunity to extend his career—whether as a backup in Minnesota or potentially as a starter or bridge quarterback in Pittsburgh.
If Jones departs, the Vikings may need to explore other options to solidify their quarterback room behind McCarthy, adding further complexity to their offseason plans. The uncertainty surrounding Jones’ future underscores the challenges Minnesota faces in managing its QB depth for the 2025 season.
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