Kevin O'Connell unintentionally confirms suspicion that Vikings have interest in QB Daniel Jones
Over the weekend, the New York Giants released former first-round pick quarterback Daniel Jones after he was benched earlier in the week. Once Jones was granted his release, there was a lot of discussion among multiple fanbases if it would be a good idea for their favorite team to sign Jones. He has a lot […]
Over the weekend, the New York Giants released former first-round pick quarterback Daniel Jones after he was benched earlier in the week.
Once Jones was granted his release, there was a lot of discussion among multiple fanbases if it would be a good idea for their favorite team to sign Jones. He has a lot starting experience, including a playoff victory against the Minnesota Vikings 31-24 in the 2022 season.
One of the teams mentioned to be interested in Jones' services was the Vikings. It makes a lot of sense considering they played four different quarterbacks last season.
Kevin O'Connell keep door open to sign Daniel Jones
During his Monday press conference, head coach Kevin O'Connell was asked about the Vikings' interest in Jones and he refused to comment.
“Yeah, I'm not gonna really get into that today, but I will say, tons of respect for Daniel Jones as a player and a person. Got to know him through the draft process years ago, and I'm sure now that he's a free agent, and there's probably a ton of leaguewide interest in him, Daniel‘s going to make the decision that's that's best for him and his career moving forward, and I'm sure he's working through that process right now. But I really can't get into too much about, you know, any short term or long term [interest]. I can just say I’ve been a fan of Daniel’s for a long time, and hope wherever his next stop takes him, it's a good opportunity for him.”
It's smart for O'Connell to not say anything about Jones but in turn, he confirms the interest. It's not a surprise either, especially after the Vikings had to end up playing four quarterbacks in 2023.
One of the other reasons the Vikings should go after Jones doesn't factor in him getting into the game. It's about the NFL Draft.
Even if you don't believe in Jones' ability, it's a move that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should make for one reason: draft capital. Signing Jones could be the latest example of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah can exploit the market.
Think about it: Darnold got $10 million, Jacoby Brissett got $8 million, Marcus Mariota got $6 million, and Drew Lock got $5 million. All of those contracts qualify for the compensatory pick formula.
Is Jones a good quarterback? Good is a relative term, but Jones has had stretches where he has played well in his career. Even if it's just a $5 million deal to be a backup, he would qualify for the formula, which could net the Vikings a compensatory draft pick. They have a projected $75 million in salary cap space and having one more player sign with another team would be a huge benefit.
Will Jones want to sign with the Vikings? That remains to be seen. However, the initial reporting did say that Jones wanted to join a playoff contender, which the Vikings certainly are heading down the stretch.
If the Vikings end up getting Jones, it would be a great move for them short and long term.
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