If the Minnesota Vikings thought they were done with quarterback uncertainty, they might want to hold off on that sigh of relief. The J.J.
McCarthy era hasn’t exactly kicked off with fireworks, and unless something changes soon, it looks like the Vikings could be back in the familiar territory of veteran quarterback roulette. And one name that keeps surfacing?
Daniel Jones.
Yes, that Daniel Jones - the former Giants starter who briefly found new life with the Colts before an Achilles injury cut his 2025 season short. His resurgence in Shane Steichen’s offense was one of the more unexpected storylines of the year, but the injury has thrown a wrench into what looked like a promising second act. Now, with his future in Indianapolis uncertain, Minnesota is emerging as a potential landing spot.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Vikings could be a logical destination. There’s already some history here - Minnesota reportedly wanted to retain Jones last offseason after a short stint with the team, but couldn’t guarantee him the starting job. That door might swing open again, especially if McCarthy doesn’t take a big leap forward.
Graziano pointed out that the Vikings’ coaching staff knows Jones, likes him, and might be the perfect group to help him rehab and re-establish his value. It’s not just about familiarity, either. There’s a clear path to playing time in Minnesota, and with Kevin O’Connell calling the shots, Jones would be stepping into another quarterback-friendly system.
Let’s not forget: before the injury, Jones was putting together a quietly efficient campaign - 19 touchdowns to just eight interceptions - and showing signs of the player the Giants once hoped he’d become. While he might not be ready for Week 1, that likely won’t scare off a team like the Vikings, who are looking for both short-term stability and long-term options.
If Minnesota decides to move on from Carson Wentz, who didn’t exactly lock down the role himself, Jones could be the best veteran option available on the market. He’s still relatively young, experienced, and has shown he can operate effectively in a modern, motion-heavy offense. That’s exactly what O’Connell runs in Minnesota.
Should this reunion happen, it would mirror the path Jones took this past year - joining a team that believes in him, learning a new playbook, and proving he can bounce back from adversity. And make no mistake: if he’s healthy, he’s capable of pushing for a starting job.
Of course, the Colts aren’t out of the picture. Given their ongoing search for a long-term answer at quarterback, they may opt to keep Jones in the building, especially if they’re not sold on any other options. But if they decide to reset - again - Minnesota becomes one of the most compelling landing spots.
Bottom line: the Vikings may not be done adding to their quarterback room. Whether McCarthy develops or not, bringing in a veteran like Jones could give them much-needed insurance - and potentially a spark. The Achilles injury complicates things, but Jones’ upside, experience, and familiarity with the staff make him a name to watch as the offseason unfolds.