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Kevin Seifert, ESPN writer
EAGAN, Minn. — Quarterback Daniel Jones arrived in Minnesota amid outside anticipation that he is part of a long-term process to build the Vikings’ 2025 depth chart at the position.
Jones, however, wasn’t looking as deeply into the future Friday on his first day with the team.
“I think you’re always looking to grow and get better,” he said, “and work on your craft. See where you can improve and learn certain things. So yeah, I’m looking forward to that, but more.” So just helping out, being part of a good quarterback room, part of a good offense and seeing where I can help.”
Jones started 69 games in six seasons for the New York Giants, including 10 this season, but sought and received his release last week after the team demoted him and made it clear he was unlikely to play for the Giants again due to to an injury guarantee in your contract.
He received interest from several teams after clearing waivers, but chose the Vikings even though starter Sam Darnold is having a career year and rookie JJ McCarthy is presumed to be the starter in 2025, assuming he fully recovers from a meniscus tear in his right knee that cost him the entire season.
Jones signed a one-year contract and will begin his new job as a member of the Vikings’ practice squad, where he admitted he will need to spend time learning an offense he has never played in.
“It’s about spending time learning it, studying it,” he said. “I’m playing catch-up and these guys are game-planning and focusing on winning, so I don’t want to delay anything with that. It’s up to me to catch up, take the time out of meetings, out of practice to learn it and that.” That’s what I’ll do.”
The Vikings don’t seem eager to replace backup Nick Mullens this season, and coach Kevin O’Connell praised No. 3 quarterback Brett Rypien’s work with the scout team earlier this week. It would take a unique series of events to force Jones onto the field anytime soon, driving attention toward the possibility of pairing him with McCarthy next season if Darnold moves forward as a pending free agent.
Like Darnold, Mullens and Rypien have expired contracts. O’Connell said he will spend some one-on-one time with Jones on a weekly basis, as he does with McCarthy. But most of Jones’ time will be spent with quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and offensive assistant coordinator/assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski.
“You’re really doing two things at once,” O’Connell said. “You’re building a long-term foundation, but at the same time you keep the mindset that if Daniel is called up to play, we want to make sure we don’t waste time in the present and make sure he’s ready to step up.” if required.”
