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Insider reports Vikings left Jones with no choice but to sign with Colts
Daniel Jones. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Insider reports Vikings left Daniel Jones with no choice but to sign with Colts

Another major quarterback domino has fallen ahead of the official start of NFL free agency on Wednesday.

Daniel Jones agreed to a one-year, $17.5M deal with the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, choosing to compete with 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson for starting duties in 2025.

Jones spent the latter weeks of the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings after he was released by the New York Giants in late November.

He had an opportunity to return to Minneapolis but NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Jones was non-committal, resulting in the team opting to move on to 2024 rookie J.J. McCarthy instead.

"The Vikings really tried here," Pelissero said. "They made multiple offers, they tried to close a deal with Daniel Jones."

But it didn't appear Jones was encouraged by the prospect of competing with McCarthy for the starting role. Ironically, he instead chose to attempt and dethrone Richardson.

Perhaps Jones and his camp felt it an easier task to beat out Richardson at training camp. Both QBs ranked at the bottom of the league in passer rating over the past two seasons.

Richardson dealt with nagging injuries and fatigue issues during the 2024 season. McCarthy is attempting to return from a torn ACL.

Regardless of the justification, Jones will looking to hit the reset button on his career after a tough six years in New York. He has a single playoff victory to his name and boasts desirable qualities to his game like 2,168 rushing yards (sixth most by a QB since 2019).

It'll be another "prove it" year but the change in scenery could benefit Jones in the long run of his career.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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