Daniel Jones may lack supporters in New York, but he at least has some in Minnesota.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell announced Monday that the former Giants quarterback cleared waivers following his release from Big Blue amid rumors that Minnesota is the team to watch in free agency for Jones. praised.
“I'm not going to get too deep into that today, but I want to give a huge amount of respect to Daniel Jones as a player and as a person.” O'Connell told the media..
“I got to know him through the draft process many years ago. He's a free agent right now and I think there's probably a lot of interest from around the league. Daniel is the best player for me going forward in his career.” I'm sure he's going to make that decision now. I think I'm working on the process. But I can't get too hung up on the short term or the long term. All I can say is that I've been a fan of Daniel's for a long time and I'll be there no matter where he goes next. I hope it's a good opportunity for him.”
Jones, the Giants' No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was released by the team on Friday after a dismal 2-8 start and being demoted to fourth-string QB.
He was in the second year of a four-year, $160 million contract extension he signed in the 2023 offseason.
Reports since his release have suggested that the 27-year-old Jones is seeking to join the contenders, with ESPN's Adam Schefter specifically considering Sunday's Vikings and Ravens (8-4) listed.
Sam Darnold, who was previously waived by the Jets, is currently at the helm of the Vikings, but given the team's lack of depth and firepower behind the former first-round pick, potential There is a possibility that the insurance contract will be re-entered. Nick Mullens is on second string, followed by Brett Rypien.
Darnold, the Jets' third overall pick in 2018, will be in his first year as a center in Minnesota after signing a one-year deal in free agency.
JJ McCarthy, a prized rookie quarterback the Vikings selected 10th overall in April's NFL Draft, tore his meniscus during the preseason and was sidelined this season.
In addition to the Vikings and Ravens, led by two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson, Jones also has the struggling Raiders (2-9), whose quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the season with a broken collarbone. He was listed as an “interesting” suitor.
The playoffs are well within reach for Minnesota, a talented franchise that hasn't won a postseason game since 2019.
But despite their 9-2 record (tied for second in the league), the Vikings still look up to their division rivals, the Lions, who lead the NFC North at 10-1.
If the season ended today, Minnesota would hold the No. 5 seed.
