Plenty of speculation has been about Sam Darnold’s future and where he will play in 2025. But another veteran quarterback on the Minnesota Vikings’ roster in 2024 could be an option for quarterback-needy teams next year.
On Sunday, Tom Pelissero discussed the Cleveland Browns’ approach to free agency and the draft in acquiring a quarterback. After discussing the possibility of them taking someone like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders in the draft, Pelissero mentioned Daniel Jones as a veteran the Browns could go after, as well as another former Vikings quarterback.
“I would anticipate they also add a veteran to the mix. Kirk Cousins has a relationship with Kevin Stefanski… Don’t overlook Daniel Jones in Cleveland either.”
Jones could make sense in Cleveland as the team tries to get out of under the Deshaun Watson contract. Even if they could draft Ward or Sanders, Jones could be a “bridge” quarterback who could hold the spot until the rookie is ready, much like Darnold did this season in Minnesota.
The New York Giants cut Jones in November. He then spent the season’s final six weeks on the Vikings’ practice squad before being signed to the active roster before their Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Jones has started 69 games in his six-year career. Although he didn’t live up to the four-year, $160 million contract he signed after the 2022 season, he could be signed on a cheap deal to compete for a starting job in 2025.
Of course, Jones could end up being signed back to the Vikings. If Darnold leaves, Jones could be the veteran quarterback who can step in and play if J.J. McCarthy has to miss any offseason practices.