Daniel Jones' Bold Decision Could Shape His Free Agency

After surveying his options, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, arguably the best landing spot for a quarterback in need of a career revival. Jones’ bold decision, joining the active roster for the team’s lone playoff game, could now impact his free agency.

In agreeing to his promotion, he ensured Minnesota would be credited by the compensatory formula should he leave in free agency. But he also delayed that free agency by a couple of months.

With the Vikings, Jones cannot get the head start on free agency that he would have if he had stuck to the practice squad. That decision lends itself to Jones returning to Minnesota, especially if breakout starter Sam Darnold doesn’t.

“What was made clear to me though is J.J. McCarthy is the franchise QB at some point…so whoever steps in this year is essentially a bridge QB,” Jeremy Fowler said on Sports Center. “Daniel Jones could make some sense. He was in the building last year. I’m told that he is still on the table as an option, he would be a cheaper alternative to Sam Darnold.”

Darnold is also an unrestricted free agent sent to cash in after the new league year in the middle of March. After breaking out in 2024, Minnesota has a decision to make, largely revolving around the timing of giving McCarthy the keys.

If Darnold does depart for more job security and a long-term deal, Jones figures to immediately be the favorite for Minnesota’s backup job. If Darnold re-signs, or the team pivots elsewhere, he may regret missing out on his chance to test the waters of the open market.