Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is signing with the Minnesota Vikings, a source told ESPN on Wednesday.
Jones became a free agent Monday after clearing waivers following a mutual decision to move on from New York. Sources had told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Jones preferred to sign with a playoff contender, with the Vikings among his potential destinations.
In Minnesota, Jones will serve as a backup to Sam Darnold, another former New York quarterback. Darnold has revitalized his career with the Vikings, leading them to a 9-2 record in his first season with the team.
Jones joins the Vikings after six seasons with the Giants spent mostly as the franchise quarterback. The No. 6 pick in the 2019 NFL draft out of Duke, Jones’ Giants tenure ended with a 22-44-1 record, 70 touchdown passes and 47 interceptions.
New York announced its intention to part ways with Jones on Friday. Team owner John Mara said in a statement that the organization and Jones “mutually agreed” that the move “would be best for him and for the team.” After he was benched last week, Jones effectively was no longer on the depth chart because the Giants would not take any risk of an injury.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell praised Jones on Monday without getting into specifics about the team’s potential interest in the quarterback.
“I will say, tons of respect for Daniel Jones as a player and a person,” O’Connell said. “Got to know him through the draft process years ago. I’m sure now that he’s a free agent and there’s probably a ton of leaguewide interest in him, Daniel is going to make the decision that is best for him and his career moving forward, and I’m sure he’s working through that process right now. … I can just say that I’ve been a big fan of Daniel’s for a long time, and I hope wherever his next step takes him, it’s a good opportunity for him.”
Information from ESPN’s Kevin Seifert was used in this report.
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