The Minnesota Vikings have added to their quarterback room, signing Daniel Jones who was recently released by the New York Giants. Jones cleared waivers on Monday and became a free agent. He reportedly considered several potential suitors but ultimately landed on an NFC playoff contender.
Jones’ uneasy play over the past two seasons ultimately ended his tenure with the Giants. He played 16 games between ’23 and ’24. In those contests, Jones had more interceptions (13) than touchdown passes (10) while leading the Giants to a 3-13 record. He’s found success as a runner throughout his career but his lack of development as a pocket passer in six seasons has stunted his overall growth.
Now, Jones will try to emulate other former top draft picks who found success after leaving the team that initially drafted them. He doesn’t have to look too far for inspiration as he’s set to backup Sam Darnold in Minnesota. Darnold stumbled as a starter with the Jets and Panthers until eventually landing with the 49ers as a backup last season.
The former USC standout looks better than ever this year, ranking 9th in passing yards and 4th in passing touchdowns while leading the Vikings to a 9-2 record.
Leaving a struggling franchise for a successful one can be a pivotal ingredient in turning a quarterback’s career around. Darnold going from the Jets and Panthers to the 49ers did wonders for his development. Former No.1 overall pick Baker Mayfield was mired by inconsistency in Cleveland and Carolina. He spent half a season as a backup for offensive guru Sean McVay in Los Angeles and now looks like a franchise quarterback with the Buccaneers.
Jones has faults as a player, but the Giants organization failed him in several areas. It remains to be seen if he can follow a similar path to Darnold and Mayfield. Should Darnold be out for any period of time, Jones would inherit an offense filled with playmakers and a brilliant playcaller in HC Kevin O’Connell. It’s a savvy play from the Vikings banking on their infrastructure unlocking Jones’ upside.
