Minnesota Vikings Finally Make the Logical Move on Daniel Jones

By Ted Schwerzler |

Updated: Jan 7, 2025

Daniel Jones, Minnesota Vikings — Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have welcomed a new face to its quarterback roster. While it’s true that this change has been in the works for a few weeks, Sam Darnold now has a fresh alternative backing him up on the sideline. Daniel Jones steps in, while Brett Rypien makes his exit.

Daniel Jones joins Minnesota Vikings active roster

It was inevitable that Daniel Jones would find his way onto the Minnesota Vikings’ active roster. After being waived by the New York Giants, Jones joined Minnesota with the chance to work under the wing of quarterback guru Kevin O’Connell. Now, he might also have the opportunity to make a significant contribution on the field.

The #Vikings have signed Daniel Jones to the active roster, putting them in line to get a compensatory pick for him if he leaves in free agency this off-season. They’re waiving Brett Rypien.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) January 7, 2025

It was widely anticipated that the Minnesota Vikings would elevate Daniel Jones to their active roster eventually. The team wasn’t about to miss out on the opportunity to secure a compensatory draft pick. Now, with Jones officially part of the active roster for the playoffs, he could very well be the superior choice for both the third-string and backup quarterback positions.

Brett Rypien was waived to make room on the roster. He spent the entire season as Minnesota’s third quarterback but never saw game action. Last season he played in a pair of games for the Los Angeles Rams.

After six years with the New York Giants, Jones could opt to leave in free agency this offseason. If he does so, the Vikings will receive some sort of compensation. It’s also very likely that he factors into Minnesota’s quarterback room for 2025.

Across 70 career games, Jones has thrown for 14,582 yards. He has a 70/42 TD/INT ratio and was the sixth overall pick out of Duke in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Minnesota could bring Daniel Jones back

After a disappointing start to his NFL career with the New York Giants, Daniel Jones joined the Minnesota Vikings in hopes of revitalizing his it. However, that revival was not on the cards for this season. At best, he might have stepped in as Sam Darnold’s backup, potentially replacing Nick Mullens. Now, his presence sets the stage for a pivotal decision in 2025, affecting both his future and that of the Vikings.

Jones has now seen how O’Connell and the Vikings work, and he has had a front row seat to see how Darnold has turned the corner. He most likely will be given an opportunity to play either before or behind J.J. McCarthy next season.

The Daniel Jones 2022 wildcard game will be forever remembered 🥹 pic.twitter.com/KAyb2U7SmD
— evin (@KayvonOjulari) November 22, 2024

Minnesota missed the playoffs last season, and following the 2022 season, it was Jones that ended their run on Wild Card Weekend. His 301 yards and two touchdowns earned him a sizable payday and put the nail in the coffin for defensive coordinator Ed Donatell.

The Vikings would love to see Jones back in their quarterback room next season. His cost is nominal and he brings a significant amount of starting experience. Either way, they are now in line for at least some sort of compensation.