MINNEAPOLIS— The Minnesota Vikings are signing recently released New York Giants quarterback and former first-round pick Daniel Jones.
Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported the signing Wednesday morning, citing sources.
“Jones lands on a play-off contender and can support Sam Darnold as he learns under Kevin O’Connell,” Jonathan Jones said.
Daniel Jones, 27, was benched last week and later released from the Giants (2-9) amid a disappointing performance so far this season. On Monday, he was officially an unrestricted free agent.
While Daniel Jones’ poor play was a factor in his benching, so was his $23 million injury guarantee for next year. The Giants are well out of contention this year and an injury to Daniel Jones would cripple them financially next season. Tommy DeVito, the Giants’ new starting QB, is a former undrafted free agent. In seven starts, he is 3-4, throwing for 1,290 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions.
Vera Nieuwenhuis / AP
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports it’s a one-year deal for $375,000 and the QB will start on the practice squad. It is unclear at this time where Daniel Jones will fall on the depth chart this season. Backup quarterback Nick Mullens was solid when asked to temporarily step in for games as Darnold brushed off injuries.
Vikings fans know Daniel Jones, when he took apart the Vikings defense in the the team’s 2022 playoff loss after a 13-4 season.
This move also raises questions about what the depth chart will look like next year. First-round pick JJ McCarthy is the only quarterback under contract next year, and he is recovering from a meniscus injury. With Darnold likely to sign elsewhere this season, the Vikings could give Daniel Jones an audition for next season as McCarthy’s backup or spot starter.
