Vikings mulling complicated Daniel Jones decision ahead of Lions showdown

Vikings mulling complicated Daniel Jones decision ahead of Lions showdown

Daniel Jones could be getting a promotion before the Vikings’ biggest game of the season.

Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday that he is considering moving Jones up to the roster after beginning the first month of his Vikings career on the practice squad.

“We’re gonna have some dialogue about that as far as the timing of it,” O’Connell told reporters on Monday. “Daniel has been quietly behind the scenes putting in some phenomenal work. All stuff to be talked about. … While also Daniel kind of being on his own individual plan.”

Daniel Jones on the Vikings sidelines during a Dec. 1, 2024 game against the Cardinals. AP

It is an interesting decision for the Vikings, who face the Lions on “Sunday Night Football” with the No. 1 seed in the NFC on the line.

Adding the former Giants quarterback to the 53-man roster would potentially set the Vikings up to earn a compensatory pick depending on if Jones signs with another team this offseason and the specificities of the contract.

But there are also roster management decisions to consider given the importance of the game in Detroit.

Daniel Jones was cut by the Giants in late November. AP

Veteran Nick Mullens is the primary backup for Sam Darnold, who is having a phenomenal season, with Brett Rypien the third-stringer.

Despite O’Connell’s high opinion of Jones, it would still be a bold move to elevate Jones to the backup spot in a season that has Super Bowl aspirations.

Mullens is a career backup, but has three years of experience in Minnesota and is very familiar with O’Connell’s offense.

Jones, 27, was released at his request by the Giants in late November after being benched and demoted to fourth string amid a 2-8 start and middling play.

Jones opted to sign with a contender over a bad team — where he would possibly see playing time — in an attempt to rehab his prospects before hitting free agency this offseason.

It is possible he could consider re-signing with the Vikings, who face a critical decision on Darnold this offseason.

The ex-Jets QB is scheduled to be a free agent and has surely earned a big-money contract this season in leading the Vikings to a 14-2 record while throwing for 4,153 yards and 35 touchdowns.

However, the Vikings also have JJ McCarthy returning from a torn meniscus that cost the former Michigan star his rookie season after being selected with the 10th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Daniel Jones talks with Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf. Getty Images

If they opt for McCarthy — a decision that could come down to how Darnold performs in the postseason – then Jones could fit in as a potential backup.

Related Posts

Jason Kelce deletes joke about having a stroke while watching quidditch on television

Jason Kelce deletes joke about having a stroke while watching quidditch on television

Jason Kelce deleted a joke about having a stroke on Saturday as he watched quidditch on TV. The Harry Potter-inspired sport was being broadcast on ESPNEWS, and…

Revealed: Tom Brady’s stunning new watch after wearing a 0,000 timepiece at the Super Bowl

Revealed: Tom Brady’s stunning new watch after wearing a $740,000 timepiece at the Super Bowl

Tom Brady flaunted an eye-catching new watch in New Jersey last week, where he was celebrating the opening his new store. The seven-time Super Bowl winner headed…

Aaron Rodgers is ‘already retired’ says ex-Jets GM as quarterback remains coy on NFL future

Aaron Rodgers is ‘already retired’ says ex-Jets GM as quarterback remains coy on NFL future

Former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbuam has declared ‘it’s over’ for Aaron Rodgers and that the quarterback is already retired. Rodgers, who was told by the franchise…

Vontae Davis’ ᴀssistant recalls horrific scene when the NFL star was found ᴅᴇᴀᴅ at 35: ‘Blood everywhere’

Vontae Davis’ ᴀssistant recalls horrific scene when the NFL star was found ᴅᴇᴀᴅ at 35: ‘Blood everywhere’

The former executive ᴀssistant for Vontae Davis has opened up on the harrowing scenes at his Florida home on the day he was found ᴅᴇᴀᴅ in his…

‘Crushed’ New York Jets star Jermaine Johnson announces heartbreaking family news

‘Crushed’ New York Jets star Jermaine Johnson announces heartbreaking family news

Devastated New York Jets star Jermaine Johnson has announced the death of his beloved dog Apollo. Johnson posted on social media that he had to ‘put my…

The Giants’ 2024 draft class helped save jobs — now they need more of that

The Giants’ 2024 draft class helped save jobs — now they need more of that

It just sort of happened.  There was a group text chain created by running back Tyrone Tracy among the six members of the Giants’ 2024 NFL Draft…