The Minnesota Vikings have made it clear they are not committed to retaining Sam Darnold for the 2025 season, opening up the possibility of a quarterback shuffle and a chance for a veteran signal-caller to rebuild their value in Minnesota. Among the options for the Vikings is Daniel Jones, the former New York Giants quarterback who experienced both highs and lows over the past few seasons. Jones has an opportunity to return to Minnesota after joining the team late last season, and the circumstances could be aligning for him to play a significant role in the upcoming year.Jones entered free agency after being released by the Giants midway through the 2024 season, despite having signed a $160 million, four-year contract with New York following a strong 2022 campaign. That season included a playoff victory over the Vikings and seemed to mark a turning point in Jones’s career. However, his tenure under the new deal was short-lived, and after clearing waivers, Jones faced a pivotal decision. He could have joined a team that offered him a clearer path to a starting job or a shot at winning a more prominent role in 2024. Instead, he chose to sign with the Vikings, a move that many saw as a calculated decision to position himself for future success.By joining Minnesota, Jones opted to work under head coach Kevin O’Connell and learn the Vikings’ offensive system while serving as a backup to Darnold. The situation was further complicated by rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who was sidelined with an injury but is widely regarded as the Vikings’ quarterback of the future. McCarthy is expected to be healthy and ready to compete by 2025, but the interim period creates an opportunity for Jones to showcase his talents and potentially secure a starting role.Jones’s decision to spend the latter part of the 2024 season with the Vikings could now pay dividends. With Darnold likely headed to free agency in March and expected to receive offers that may exceed what Minnesota is willing to pay, Jones appears well-positioned to step into a larger role. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acknowledged the possibility during a press conference on February 25, where he referred to Jones as “a great option for us.”Jones’s physical tools make him an intriguing candidate for the Vikings. Like Darnold, Jones possesses a strong arm that allows him to push the ball downfield. However, Jones also brings a level of athleticism that Darnold lacks, offering a scrambling ability and the potential for designed quarterback runs. This added dimension could make Minnesota’s offense more dynamic under O’Connell’s guidance. Over his six-year NFL career, Jones has thrown for 14,582 yards, 70 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions, while adding 2,179 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground.Despite his individual skills, Jones’s career has been marred by inconsistency and team struggles. His record as a starting quarterback is just 24-44-1, and his tenure with the Giants was marked by offensive line woes, coaching instability, and a lack of consistent playmakers. While Jones is not solely responsible for the Giants’ poor performances, he also faced criticism for failing to elevate the team, even when surrounded by talent like Saquon Barkley, who left the Giants in 2024 and went on to help the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl.In Minnesota, Jones would have the opportunity to work with a more stable and talented roster. The Vikings boast a strong group of offensive weapons, and O’Connell’s system has already proven effective in revitalizing quarterbacks. Under O’Connell’s leadership, Darnold had the best season of his career in 2024, positioning himself for a significant payday in free agency. The same approach could work wonders for Jones, who has yet to fully realize his potential in the NFL.If Jones re-signs with the Vikings, it would likely be on a short-term deal, such as a one- or two-year contract. This would give him a chance to compete for the starting job during training camp, especially if Darnold departs. However, staying in Minnesota would come with risks. The 2025 offseason is expected to feature several teams in need of starting quarterbacks, and Jones could explore the market to secure a more lucrative and long-term contract elsewhere. By choosing to return to the Vikings, Jones would be betting on himself and the value of showcasing his abilities within a proven offensive system.ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler highlighted the situation during a recent “SportsCenter” segment, noting that Minnesota appears committed to J.J. McCarthy as the franchise’s long-term quarterback. “What was made clear to me,” Fowler said, “is J.J. McCarthy is the franchise quarterback at some point—whether that’s six months from now, 12 months, or 18 months. Whoever steps in this year is essentially a bridge quarterback.”This dynamic adds another layer of complexity to Jones’s decision. While he could embrace a short-term role in Minnesota and use it as a springboard for future opportunities, there’s no guarantee of long-term security. That said, Darnold’s one-year stint with the Vikings demonstrated how a short-term gamble can lead to significant rewards. Darnold is now expected to earn $40-50 million annually on a multiyear deal in free agency, proving that Minnesota can be an ideal place for a quarterback to rebuild their value.

If Jones chooses to return to the Vikings, he’ll be stepping into a competitive situation with both risks and rewards. The opportunity to lead a talented roster, work under O’Connell, and prove himself as a viable starting quarterback could be exactly what Jones needs to reshape his career. At the same time, the decision will hinge on whether Jones values the chance to compete in Minnesota over the potential for a larger payday and more immediate starting opportunities elsewhere. As the Vikings prepare for what could be a transitional year at quarterback, Jones’s choice will be a key factor in shaping their path forward.