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Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell talks adding Daniel Jones
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters on Wednesday they're still working through the details of signing QB Daniel Jones. He's expected to be at TCO Performance Center on Friday.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is signing with the Minnesota Vikings, coach Kevin O'Connel confirmed Wednesday afternoon.
What we know
This news comes less than a week after he was released from the Giants. He had been benched as the starting quarterback. Jones was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He’s won just 24 games in 69 career starts.
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Ahmad Hicks breaks down Vikings adding QB Daniel Jones
Former New York Giants QB Daniel Jones is reportedly signing with the Vikings and joining the practice squad. FOX 9's Ahmad Hicks breaks down what it means for Jones and Minnesota going forward.
According to ESPN's Adam Shefter, Jones is signing a one-year deal for $375,000. He'll start out on the Vikings' practice squad. The Giants owe him around $12 million.
"I’ve always been a fan, really like the person, the human being, the makeup. The player Daniel Jones, I think there’s so much out in front of him that are going to be really good things that we get to personally be a part of. I can’t wait to work with him," O'Connell said.
O'Connell says he spoke with Jones Monday night after he cleared waivers.
"He had a lot of interest, Daniel chose to come here. I was really excited when he called me and told me he was coming," O'Connell said.
Jones will join starter Sam Darnold in a quarterback room that includes Nick Mullens, J.J. McCarthy and Brett Rypien. The move also allows the Vikings to get a look at Jones in their offense ahead of a 2025 year of uncertainty, with Darnold currently playing on a one-year contract and rookie J.J. McCarthy recovering from knee surgery. Mullens is currently the back-up to Darnold, and Rypien is the emergency No. 3 quarterback on game day that doesn't count toward the active roster.
The Vikings are 9-2 on the season, have won four straight games and start a three-game home stand on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
Two years ago, Jones accounted for nearly 400 total yards and a pair of touchdowns in leading the Giants to a 31-24 NFC Wild Card Playoff win against the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. It led to the eventual firing of defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, and the hiring of Brian Flores.
What he's said
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Daniel Jones: 'I take full responsibility' for lack of wins
Daniel Jones, before he was released from the New York Giants, thanked the team and said he takes full responsibility for not winning more. Jones has now signed with the Minnesota Vikings.
Jones, before he was released from the Giants, apologized for not winning more and thanked his team. He was 2-8 in 10 games as a starter, throwing eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. In the Vikings' Week 1 win at New York, Jones threw for just 186 yards, had a pick-6 to Andrew Van Ginkel among two interceptions and was sacked five times.
"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 have done more. I'm 100% accountable for my part," he said.
Jones' addition means the Vikings have three quarterbacks on the roster who were top-10 picks. Darnold went No. 3 overall in 2017, Jones was the No. 6 pick in 2019 and McCarthy went No. 10 overall this year.
The future
What does adding Jones mean for the future of the Vikings quarterback room? O'Connell says that's not a concern right now. He intends to keep Darnold, Jones, Mullens and Rypien on the roster. Darnold is 9-2 as the starter, has thrown for more than 2,700 yards, a career-high 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The likely scenario is Darnold signs a long-term deal elsewhere in 2025, assuming McCarthy is ready to be the starter. Jones could be the No. 2 quarterback in that scenario.
"I don’t think we need to think about that at this time. I’m just excited to get him here. I just love getting opportunities to work with guys, no matter what point in their quarterback journey they’re at. Our system is built to try to help guys realize their truest potential, simple as that," O'Connell said. "Daniel is going to be a positive addition to our culture and our building, and I look forward to getting him here."