As fans dig into their turkey, stuffing, and football on Thanksgiving while scrolling the web for Black Friday deals, in NFL News, Daniel Jones somewhat surprisingly signed with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad.
After the New York Giants released Jones, he had options. Few had Minnesota on their bingo card. This is an early stop to the spinning quarterback roulette wheel. There is more to come on and off the field, in the NFL and college.
Why Would the Vikings Need Jones?
At first glance, the snap union between Jones and the Vikings makes little sense. However, when you peel back the layers, it is logical for both sides.
There should be an over/under as to how long it takes Jones to utter some version of, “I’ve learned more here (with Minnesota) than I did in five years with the Giants.”
Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell is in the tradition of Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh in that he was a mediocre college quarterback who did not have the physical skills to execute but can teach those who do have those skills.
Practically, Minnesota is working with its preseason backup Sam Darnold. They have won nine of 11 games so far in 2024. Darnold will be a free agent at season’s end, and barring a Super Bowl win, he is likely to leave for a big contract.
Their 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy was the projected starter before blowing out his knee. Jones is the veteran insurance who might be better in a more stable, competent situation.
Veterans, Draftable QBs, and Teams in Need
Going team by team, the following have quarterback questions or an outright need going into 2025:
- New York Jets
- Cleveland Browns
- Indianapolis Colts
- Tennessee Titans
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Giants
- Minnesota Vikings
Available quarterbacks could include Darnold, Jones, Will Levis, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Mac Jones, Kenny Pickett, Carson Wentz, Mitch Trubisky, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, and Malik Willis.
Then there’s the draft where Georgia’s Carson Beck has seen his stock plummet. Colorado head coach Deion Sanders will be very particular where his son/QB Shedeur Sanders goes. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe could be hindered by the persistent failures former Alabama quarterbacks have had in transitioning from college to the pros.
Who Will Make the Decisions?
Hypothetically, if Bill Belichick is given the keys to the Giants’ kingdom, he is not trying to develop another young QB, especially at age 73. Would Rodgers be an option for the other New York Metro team?
Even during Tom Brady’s heyday in New England, Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels would look across the field at Rodgers and lustily wonder what they could do with him and his physical gifts. Rodgers is not letting his career end in the disaster it’s been with the Jets.
Who is taking the Jets job? What will the plan be?
Does the Browns’ brain trust survive this terrible season?
What about the Raiders? Do they clean out the front office and coaching staff again with part-owner Brady a key decision-maker in the team’s future?
The Jones signing might appear to be a late-season shoring up of a vulnerable spot, but it is a domino that fell. It will impact other quarterbacks and teams in myriad ways.
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