Schefter: Amid Raiders rumors, the Vikings signed Daniel Jones in case Sam Darnold leaves.

The Minnesota Vikings have always been a franchise committed to building a competitive roster, one that balances long-term development with short-term playoff contention. In recent years, however, the team has struggled to solidify one of the most important positions on the field: quarterback. With Kirk Cousins aging and Sam Darnold failing to live up to expectations, the Vikings have been forced to reconsider their future at the position. Enter Daniel Jones.

As rumors swirled around the Las Vegas Raiders and their potential interest in Sam Darnold, the Vikings made a bold move in signing Daniel Jones. The deal shocked many in the NFL community, as Jones had long been associated with a possible future in New York, but it represented the Vikings’ need to add an insurance policy at quarterback in the event that Darnold does, in fact, leave. The signing is a clear indication that Minnesota is ready to make significant changes at quarterback, looking for both a short-term solution and long-term stability as they aim to position themselves for a Super Bowl push.

The Quarterback Dilemma in Minnesota

For the past few seasons, the Vikings have found themselves in a difficult situation at the quarterback position. While Kirk Cousins has been statistically consistent and durable, he has failed to deliver in big moments. Despite leading the team to the playoffs multiple times, Cousins has never been able to push the team past the NFC Championship Game, let alone win a Super Bowl.

In 2024, the Vikings took a chance on Sam Darnold, hoping that a change of scenery might allow the former 2018 third overall pick to finally reach his potential. Darnold had shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the San Francisco 49ers, stepping in as a backup and performing admirably when Brock Purdy went down with an injury. However, Darnold’s inconsistency has remained a problem, and many in the organization have questioned whether he can be the long-term solution to the Vikings’ quarterback problems.

As the 2025 offseason began, the Vikings found themselves at a crossroads. Cousins’ contract was nearing its expiration, and Darnold had not proven enough to earn a starting role. With a competitive roster, led by Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook, and a strong defense, the Vikings knew they needed a quarterback who could elevate the team and take them to the next level. Enter Daniel Jones, a quarterback who had just come off a strong season with the New York Giants, leading them to the playoffs and earning praise for his ability to limit mistakes and manage the game efficiently.

Daniel Jones: The Ideal Bridge Quarterback?

Daniel Jones has had a rollercoaster career since being selected sixth overall by the Giants in the 2019 NFL Draft. While the initial hype surrounding Jones was tempered by struggles in his first few seasons, the 2024 campaign marked a significant step forward. Jones had a career year, throwing for over 4,000 yards, with 30 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. His mobility and ability to make plays with his legs made him an intriguing dual-threat quarterback, and his leadership qualities were a key reason for the Giants’ playoff berth.

Despite the strong performance, the Giants’ front office and coaching staff had mixed feelings about Jones’ future with the team. His inconsistency, particularly in high-pressure moments, left some questions about his ability to elevate a team to championship contention. This led to speculation about whether the Giants would commit to Jones long-term or let him walk in free agency.

Amid these rumors, the Vikings saw an opportunity to land a quarterback with upside but without the enormous risk typically associated with high-ceiling quarterbacks. Jones fit perfectly into Minnesota’s current situation. As a bridge quarterback, Jones could come in and immediately compete for the starting role, whether alongside Darnold or replacing him altogether. His experience in the NFL, combined with his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs, gives him a well-rounded skill set that could mesh well with the Vikings’ offensive scheme.

Moreover, Jones is entering the prime years of his career. At just 27 years old, he still has plenty of time to continue developing and could thrive with an elite supporting cast. The Vikings have one of the most dynamic wide receiving corps in the league, led by Justin Jefferson, arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL. A healthy Dalvin Cook gives Jones a reliable option in the backfield, while a solid offensive line, bolstered by potential additions in the draft, could provide the protection he needs to excel.

Additionally, Jones has experience in high-pressure situations, having led the Giants to a playoff win in 2024. His ability to keep calm under pressure, as evidenced in his postseason performances, makes him a valuable asset for a Vikings team looking to make a deep playoff run in 2025.

Why the Vikings Signed Daniel Jones

The Vikings’ decision to sign Daniel Jones amidst rumors surrounding Sam Darnold and the Las Vegas Raiders is a clear signal that the team is serious about winning now, while also planning for the future. While Darnold’s departure remains a possibility, the acquisition of Jones offers both short-term stability and long-term flexibility.

1. Quarterback Depth and Competition

The Vikings had an immediate need for depth at the quarterback position. While Kirk Cousins has been a reliable presence, the team had already begun exploring the possibility of moving on from him, either through trade or free agency. Darnold’s play, though promising in spots, has been inconsistent. Jones, on the other hand, brings a track record of steady improvement and a more well-rounded skill set. By signing Jones, the Vikings have created a healthy quarterback competition, which could help drive performance at the position. A motivated Darnold, combined with a hungry Daniel Jones, could raise the level of play in training camp and make whichever quarterback wins the starting job more prepared for the rigors of the regular season.

2. Contingency Plan for Darnold’s Departure

The signing of Jones is a clear contingency plan in case Sam Darnold leaves the Vikings. Darnold, despite his flashes of brilliance in 2024, remains an unproven commodity. There have been rumors swirling around Darnold’s future, including possible interest from the Las Vegas Raiders, who may be looking for a new quarterback in 2025. The Vikings had to prepare for the possibility that Darnold could depart, leaving them without a reliable backup to Cousins or an immediate starter. Jones provides the Vikings with insurance in case this scenario unfolds.

3. Competition in the NFC

The NFC is as competitive as ever, with teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys all boasting elite rosters. For the Vikings to compete at the highest level, they needed to secure a quarterback who could give them the best chance to win in a highly competitive conference. With Jones, the Vikings now have a quarterback who has demonstrated the ability to manage games, make key plays, and lead a team in the postseason. His mobility adds an extra element to the Vikings’ offense, which could be crucial in tight games against high-powered NFC teams.

4. Flexibility and Development

While Daniel Jones is ready to compete immediately, the signing also gives the Vikings some flexibility for the future. As the franchise continues to evaluate its roster and move closer to Kirk Cousins’ exit, having a player like Jones on the roster gives the Vikings the ability to develop a young quarterback in 2025 without rushing the process. Whether it’s a high-profile draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft or an intriguing developmental project, Jones can help stabilize the position as the team looks toward its long-term future.

What This Means for Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold’s time in Minnesota is now very much up in the air. If the Vikings decide to stick with Darnold as a backup, his role could be minimized. The presence of Daniel Jones as an experienced starter would likely relegate Darnold to a secondary role, unless he demonstrates significant growth during training camp. If the Vikings move on from Darnold entirely, they might choose to explore trade options or simply let him walk in free agency.

Darnold’s career has been an emotional rollercoaster, from his rough start with the New York Jets to his brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers. Despite showing flashes of potential, Darnold has not been able to consistently put together solid performances. The Vikings now have a decision to make about his future. Whether they trade him or allow him to leave as a free agent will depend on his value in the market and how much the Vikings feel they can depend on him in 2025.A New Era in Minnesota

The Vikings’ signing of Daniel Jones is a bold, yet necessary, move for a franchise that is desperate to find the right quarterback to lead them to a Super Bowl. With Sam Darnold’s future uncertain and Kirk Cousins’ contract expiring, Jones provides both stability and upside at the most important position on the field. His signing signals the Vikings’ commitment to competing for a championship in 2025 and beyond.

The competition at quarterback in Minnesota will be fierce, and the NFL Draft and free agency will likely bring further changes to the team

’s roster. However, for now, the Vikings can rest assured that they have a quarterback who has the potential to elevate their offense, lead them in big games, and help them finally achieve the success they’ve been chasing for years.