Quarterback Daniel Jones was released by the New York Giants last week. The former first-round quarterback officially cleared waivers on Tuesday and was open to sign with any NFL team beginning Wednesday morning.
NFL Network’s NFL Insider, Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday that Jones was expected to sign with the Vikings’ practice squad and could get the opportunity to be the backup to Sam Darnold.
Former #Giants QB Daniel Jones plans to sign with the #Vikings practice squad, after having cleared waivers, per me, @TomPelissero and @CameronWolfe.
A new beginning and opportunity for Jones with a chance to the backup. pic.twitter.com/RK0N3SVr7k
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 27, 2024
The news quickly spread on X and fans were quite shocked that the Minnesota Vikings were the team that Jones chose. Some questioned whether Jones joining Minnesota would be good for the team or if he would jinx their success so far this season.
The Minnesota Vikings drafted former Michigan standout J.J. McCarthy in the first round. However, he tore his meniscus in his right knee during training camp. The Vikings turned to backup Sam Darnold, who has led the team to a 9-2 record this season.
Some wondered if Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was a “quarterback whisperer” and could essentially “fix” Daniel Jones’ issues like Sam Darnold.
“Is KOC the real qb whisperer, we’ll find out!”-one fan questioned
“Perfect backup opportunity.”-one fan stated
“the Minnesota rehab center for struggling first round QBs.”-one person joked
The shock and surprise amongst the NFL continued as some assumed that Jones would want an immediate opportunity to start perhaps with a team like the Las Vegas Raiders.
“Second time the Vikings have gotten Daniel Jones paid.”-another joked about his success against Minnesota in the past
“Kevin O’Connell is on a mission to rehab every downtrodden QB.”-said another
“imagine telling me this 2 years ago lmfao.”-another person on X said
NFL analyst praises Daniel Jones’ decision to sign with Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings’ decision to sign quarterback Daniel Jones after he cleared waivers may shock some but also make a lot of sense for others. Jones missed the majority of the 2023 NFL season due to a knee injury, his comeback this season wasn’t what he or the Giants would have hoped for.
Jones will have a chance to hit the reset button and learn the Minnesota Vikings offense while on the practice squad. He will also be available if the team needs him for any reason down the stretch.
NFL senior writer Albert Breer supported the Vikings’ decision to sign Jones in a post on X.
“Daniel Jones’ decision to sign with the @Vikings makes sense. He can sit the rest of the year, and reset a bit, and get the perspective Sam Darnold got last year in San Francisco. Good, sensible decision in a situation where money was no object,” Breer wrote.
The Minnesota Vikings are just one game behind the Detroit Lions in the NFC North divisional race.
