The Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts are both staring down big decisions at the quarterback position this offseason-and Daniel Jones’ name is right in the middle of it all.
Let’s start in Minnesota. J.J.
McCarthy is expected to get the nod again in 2026, but based on how last season played out, the Vikings would be wise to line up a Plan B. McCarthy showed flashes, but there were also enough bumps in the road to raise questions about whether he's ready to be the long-term answer.
Add in the ever-present risk of injury, and it’s clear Minnesota needs a veteran insurance policy-someone who can step in without the offense missing a beat.
That’s where Daniel Jones enters the picture.
The Colts rolled the dice on Jones last season, and for a while, it looked like a brilliant move. He fit head coach Shane Steichen’s offense like a glove, using his mobility, play-action prowess, and deep-ball accuracy to elevate the unit to one of the league’s most dynamic.
But that momentum came to a screeching halt when Jones suffered a torn Achilles in December. Now, with free agency looming and his recovery timeline uncertain, the Colts have a tough call to make.
Still, there’s a strong argument that bringing Jones back is the best move for Indy. Despite the injury, he remains one of the top quarterback options available in what’s shaping up to be a thin free agent market. According to Spotrac, he’s projected to command a four-year, $174 million deal-big money, but reflective of his value when healthy.
If Jones does return to Indianapolis, it’s likely because both sides see unfinished business. Steichen’s system clearly suits him, and with the right rehab timeline, Jones could be ready to reclaim the starting job and pick up where he left off.
But if the Colts decide to move on-or if Jones looks elsewhere for a clearer path to start-Minnesota makes a lot of sense. He had a brief stint with the Vikings back in 2024, so there’s some familiarity there.
More importantly, he fits Kevin O’Connell’s offensive vision. Jones has shown he can thrive in play-action-heavy schemes, and his ability to push the ball downfield would add another layer to Minnesota’s attack.
The question is: would the Vikings give him a real shot to start, or are they fully committed to giving McCarthy another year to prove himself? That’s the unknown.
Jones, coming off a major injury, is going to want clarity. He’s not signing somewhere just to hold a clipboard.
Right now, the most logical outcome is a return to Indianapolis. It’s where he found success, it’s where the system fits, and it’s where he’s most likely to be handed the keys to the offense from Day 1-assuming he’s healthy.
But if that door closes, Minnesota should be on the phone. Because whether it’s as a starter or a high-level backup, Daniel Jones is still one of the most intriguing quarterback options on the market this offseason.