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.”

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.

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.