Vikings Sign Daniel Jones – But Is It Good Fit For The Underperforming Giants’ QB?
The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Daniel Jones on Wednesday. Jones was released by the New York Giants on Nov. 22 after nearly six seasons as the team’s struggling starter.
Taken with the sixth-overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Jones was supposed to be the franchise quarterback for a Giants team looking to replace two-time Super Bowl winner Eli Manning. At times, he showed decent ability and even led the team to a playoff victory in 2022.
In 2023, he signed a four-year, $160 million extension with the team, having restored hope in the team’s future the previous season. He sustained a string of injuries soon after, however, and piloted the team to a 2-8 record in 2024. After getting benched for Tommy DeVito, Jones requested his release and appeared to leave the Giants on friendly terms.
“Daniel came to see me this morning and asked if we would release him,” Giants President John Mara said in a statement after the release. “We mutually agreed that would be best for him and for the team. Daniel has been a great representative of our organization, first class in every way. His handling of this situation yesterday exemplifies just that. We are all disappointed in how things have worked out. We hold Daniel in high regard and have a great appreciation for him. We wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
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Shortly before his Giants release, Jones read a letter at a press conference reflecting on his time with the team. In it, he summarized his career in New York, one that had its bright moments overshadowed by long stretches of adversity.
“There have been some great times, but of course, we all wish there had been more of those,” Jones said. “I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins. No one wanted to win more games worse than me, and I gave everything I had on the field and in my preparation. Of course, this season has been disappointing for all, and of course, I wish I could’ve done more. I’m 100% accountable for my part. I did not play well enough, consistently enough, to help the team get the results.”
Because of his previous success and reputation as a positive team player, Jones was always going to land on another team. Some speculated that he might end up on the Cowboys, predicting that owner Jerry Jones would sign him out of spite. In the end, the Vikings made the far more reasonable move. Jones will be a serviceable backup behind Sam Darnold and could even remain with the team when J.J. McCarthy returns from injury next season.
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Article by Patrick Moquin
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