The Minnesota Vikings signed sixth overall pick Daniel Jones of the 2019 draft to their practice squad. Daniel Jones joins the Minnesota Vikings, under coach Kevin O’Connell’s unofficial quarterback revitalization program. This comes after Daniel Jones, who had requested his release by the New York Giants, joins a 9-2 team famous for its player-friendly environment and quarterback development expertise. As a starter, Jones had gone 24-44-1 before he was benched by the Giants, who are now 2-10. They had a clear eye on the $23 million guarantee for injury on his contract for 2025
Daniel Jones on why he chose the Minnesota Vikings
Daniel Jones, released by the New York Giants a week ago, finally made his Minnesota Vikings debut on Friday. The reason is that Jones signed with New York in 2023 for four years worth $160 million. After clearing waivers on Monday, he chose to sign with the Vikings over nine other teams, seeking to get on a contending team.
You look at offensively what they’ve been able to do, the system, coach [Kevin] O’Connell and his staff. Just a lot of good things happening across the board as a team and organization, and on offense especially,” Jones said. “Just excited to join that and help out where I can.”
“It’s been a crazy last couple of weeks, for sure. Certainly a lot going on. At the end of the day, I’m excited to be here. This is an awesome opportunity,” Jones said after his first practice with the Vikings. “I’m looking forward to learning the system and building relationships with these guys and helping the team.”
Jones, who was granted an extension for the 2023 season worth $40 million, won only three games for New York. His performance in 2022, which saw him post the league’s best interception rate and rushing for 708 yards, had already earned them financial commitment. The game that sealed the deal was the wild-card round playoff win against Minnesota where he threw for 301 yards and two touchdown.
Two years after that, Jones returns to quarterback school, while a failed former New York quarterback, Sam Darnold, has come back marvelously in O’Connell’s offense following J.J. McCarthy’s preseason knee injury. Nick Mullens is the primary backup with Brett Rypien sitting behind him on the depth chart.
