Daniel Jones, the former New York Giants quarterback drafted sixth overall in 2019, finds himself in an unfamiliar position: a practice squad quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. His tenure with the Giants ended abruptly mid-season following a disappointing 2-8 start. This unexpected turn of events led Jones to Minnesota, where he embraced the opportunity to learn from head coach Kevin O’Connell, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, and starting quarterback Sam Darnold, another former New York quarterback experiencing a career resurgence. Jones’ decision to join the Vikings stems from the potential he sees in emulating Darnold’s path to revitalization and possibly securing a starting role in the future. Kyle Rudolph, a Vikings legend and former teammate of Jones during their shared time with the Giants, believes this is precisely Jones’ strategy.
Jones’ arrival in Minnesota comes on the heels of a breakout 2022 season, highlighted by a Wild Card playoff victory against the Vikings in their own stadium. This performance prompted the Giants to offer Jones a long-term contract extension, solidifying his position as their franchise quarterback. However, the subsequent season’s struggles led to his release, a stark contrast to Saquon Barkley’s MVP-caliber performance with the Philadelphia Eagles after leaving the Giants. While the Giants grapple with their quarterback situation, Jones sees an opportunity in Minnesota to replicate the success stories of quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who revitalized their careers after challenging periods.
Sam Darnold, like Jones, arrived in Minnesota on a one-year prove-it deal, competing with rookie J.J. McCarthy for the starting quarterback role. Darnold seized the opportunity presented by McCarthy’s knee injury, leading the Vikings to an impressive 11-2 record and posting career-best numbers. His journey mirrors that of Baker Mayfield, the former first overall pick of the Cleveland Browns who found success and a lucrative contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after overcoming initial struggles. Jones hopes to follow in their footsteps, believing that a year of learning and development in Minnesota could position him for a similar comeback.
Rudolph believes that Darnold’s performance has essentially earned him a substantial contract extension, and Jones could be poised to do the same. He suggests that the Vikings might be hesitant to invest heavily in Darnold long-term, especially with McCarthy waiting in the wings. This creates an opening for Jones to compete for the starting role next season. Rudolph emphasizes that the landscape of the NFL allows young quarterbacks, like McCarthy, time to develop without immediate pressure to perform, providing Jones with a valuable window of opportunity.
While Jones is eager to return to the field, he understands the importance of his current role. The transition from being a highly touted draft pick and starting quarterback to a practice squad player presents a significant challenge. Rudolph acknowledges the difficulty of this adjustment, emphasizing the competitive nature that drives quarterbacks like Jones. Despite the unfamiliar territory, Jones is committed to learning and preparing for his next opportunity, understanding that his time on the sidelines is part of a larger process.
During his time in Minnesota, Rudolph witnessed not only the Vikings’ Week 13 victory but also a heartwarming moment of giving back to the community. He collaborated with Polaris and Call of Duty to surprise two Minnesota Marine Corps veterans with Polaris RZR Pro R vehicles during a Salute to Service game. The veterans, humbled by the recognition, expressed their disbelief at being chosen for this honor. They also had the opportunity to play the new Call of Duty game with Vikings players. This event highlighted the importance of supporting veterans and recognizing their service. Rudolph’s initiative with Alltroo provides fans a chance to win a Polaris RZR Pro R while contributing to the Call of Duty Endowment, a program dedicated to helping veterans find meaningful careers and supporting their well-being.
