Report: Vikings, Ravens most likely to sign Daniel Jones

The Minnesota Vikings are among the most likely teams to sign former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones after his release last Friday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Jones, the sixth overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, has become available after a whirlwind week that saw him get benched in favor of Tommy DeVito, become a safety on the scout team, issue a farewell statement during a press conference and ask for his release.

The 27-year-old is currently a free agent after clearing waivers, which means any team that picks him up wouldn't be on the hook for the remainder of the four-year, $160 million contract Jones signed following the 2023 season.

Schefter says the Vikings and the Baltimore Ravens are the two teams most interested but "are hardly the only ones." Schefter also says Jones wants to sign with a contender and is waiting to see the results in Week 12 to influence his decision.

If Jones winds up in Minnesota, it could be a wise choice. Kevin O'Connell has already executed a successful reclamation project as Sam Darnold has led the Vikings to a 9-2 record.

But the choice would also be smart considering Darnold's path to Minnesota. A former draft bust after being selected third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 draft, Darnold spent time with the Carolina Panthers before spending one year as Brock Purdy's backup with the San Francisco 49ers.

After one year of learning the Shanahan/McVay system, Darnold signed with the Vikings and has thrown for 2,387 yards, 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions entering Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears.

This could benefit the Vikings in several ways. Adding Jones would enhance Minnesota's quarterback depth as they are currently riding with the turnover-prone Nick Mullens behind Darnold. Darnold is also likely to leave for a hefty pay day in free agency next spring, leaving an opening for the backup quarterback behind J.J. McCarthy in 2025.

ESPN's Kevin Seifert noted that if Jones landed in Minnesota, the Vikings could have a full evaluation and decide whether to bring him back in 2025 and could potentially factor into the compensatory pick formula for 2026 if he decides to leave after this season.

With McCarthy's health also up in the air, Jones could find himself as the starter in 2025 until the 10th overall pick in last April's draft is back to full speed.

It creates a solid paper trail that could lead Jones back to where he had his finest moment – a 2022 playoff victory over the Vikings – and give Minnesota some depth down the stretch.