The Minnesota Vikings have not revealed their quarterback plans, with rookie J.J. McCarthy and veterans Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones on the roster for assessment. All the three of them are quite unlikely to be on the team next season, even though two of them might stay.
The Los Angeles Rams are a possible destination for Jones, according to CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, considering that he is the Vikings’ newest addition and the team has little investment in him. Jones would back up Matthew Stafford, a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, if he signs with the Rams.
Benjamin noted on January 28 that “Matthew Stafford is the undisputed starter if he returns, but he’s soon to be 37.” “Sean McVay needs a younger arm to grow, and he has as well previously supported reclamation projects (like Baker Mayfield).”
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report reiterated this opinion, emphasizing Jones’ physical attributes and prior Giants success.
On January 22, Knox pointed out, “The Duke product does possess top-tier physical traits and did help New York reach the postseason in 2022.” “However, Jones might need to dedicate more time to honing his backup skills, as Darnold did with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, in order to rejuvenate his career.”
Jones might decide to stay in Minnesota and study under head coach Kevin O’Connell. Knox contends that Jones might have an even greater opportunity to learn directly from McVay, given that O’Connell was descended from McVay’s coaching tree.
Uncertainty in the Vikings’ quarterback room
After his Pro Bowl season, Darnold is anticipated to seek a high contract. His late-season and postseason failures, however, might reduce his market worth and make it possible for the Vikings to re-sign him. McCarthy, who was selected 10th overall in the 2024 draft, has three more years left on his deal.
Jones’ future is the least guaranteed of all the Vikings quarterbacks. The opportunity to sign Jones may be available to another club if the team puts Darnold’s predicament first.
Daniel Jones as the backup plan for the Vikings
The New York Giants selected Jones, 27, sixth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. Even though he was in the second year of a four-year, $160 million contract, the Giants cut him in November. According to Over The Cap, he has made $108.2 million throughout his career. Jones signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract to join the active roster in January after clearing waivers and first joining the Vikings’ practice squad.
The Vikings’ compensatory pick formula might be impacted by his arrival. Jones stated that O’Connell’s presence was a major consideration in his choice to join Minnesota and that he had no intention of upending the team’s current setup.
The Vikings may base their quarterback selections heavily on McCarthy’s health. If he recovers completely, Minnesota might continue to use him as the starting quarterback while looking for a less expensive backup. Even though Jones was cheap this season, Over The Cap estimates that he is worth more over $13 million a year.
In the 2024 offseason, Darnold previously inked a one-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings.
The Rams’ quarterback situation is still uncertain.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Matthew Stafford himself confirmed to the Rams that he intended to return for the 2025 campaign. Les Snead, the general manager of the Rams, has left open the prospect of a trade and has not assured that Stafford will continue to be the team’s starting quarterback.
The Rams used Jimmy Garoppolo as Stafford’s backup in 2024. At the age of 33, Garoppolo, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, will be a free agent. Los Angeles might want to sign a seasoned backup quarterback because Stetson Bennett, a 2023 fourth-round pick, is the only other quarterback currently under contract.
“With Jimmy Garoppolo set to be a free agent, Los Angeles could use a veteran backup,” Knox wrote. “Jones could learn from one of football’s most brilliant offensive minds while filling that role.”