Daniel Jones

Colts Name Daniel Jones Starting QB

Daniel Jones is set to begin the campaign atop the Colts’ depth chart. Jones has won out the team’s quarterback competition, as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The news is now official.

Pelissero adds head coach Shane Steichen informed Jones and Anthony Richardson of the decision Tuesday morning. A call was expected in the near future, and one has indeed been made. Jones, a free agent addition, will serve as QB1 to begin the regular season while Richardson will operate as the backup.

[RELATED: Richardson’s Agent Fires Back At Colts]

Signs have pointed in this direction throughout the offseason, one in which Richardson has aimed to establish himself as Indianapolis’ passer of the present and future. Today’s news obviously marks a notable setback for the No. 4 pick in 2023’s draft. Richardson has battled injuries and inconsistency in the NFL, including missed time this spring and a dislocated finger suffered in the preseason opener.

When speaking publicly on the matter, Steichen has offered praise regarding Jones’ experience and his command of the Colts’ offense during practice and games. That helped lead to the expectation the former Giants top-1o selection would get the nod for 2025. With that said, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports the Jones-Richardson competition was viewed as being “very close.”

Jones was retained via a four-year, $160MM contract in 2023, with the Giants inking him to the pact in time to apply the franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley departed on the open market last spring and enjoyed a record-breaking debut season with the Eagles. Jones, on the other hand, was unable to take a step forward in his fifth season as New York’s starter before ultimately being benched and then released.

A brief Vikings tenure did not result in playing time down the stretch. Jones, like Sam Darnold, departed Minnesota on the open market in search of a starting position with the team positioned to hand the reins over to J.J. McCarthy. Jones secured $13.15MM guaranteed on his one-year Colts contract, a strong indication he would have a path to the starting gig. As of June, the 28-year-old held a “significant” lead over Richardson.

Time with the starting offense was split in training camp, with Richardson managing to return to full health after his latest shoulder injury was suffered earlier in the offseason. The Florida product has played just 15 games in the regular season to date, and he was benched partway through last year. A decision will need to be made on the fifth-year option for Richardson, 23, after the coming campaign. This move certainly suggests it will be declined.

Steichen said on Tuesday (via Mike Chappell of Fox59) Jones is viewed as the starter for the entire 2025 season. A strong campaign would help his free agent value considerably, and finding success with Indy’s offense would no doubt serve as a benefit to Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard‘s job security. As the Colts look to end a four-year playoff drought, they will rely on Jones for what should be a lengthy period. In the event of an injury or poor play, though, attention will turn to the possibility of Richardson taking over.

Shane Steichen Nearing Decision On Colts’ Starting QB

Two of the Colts’ three preseason games are now in the books. With Week 1 approaching, a decision on the team’s starting quarterback should be coming shortly.

[RELATED: Recapping Colts’ Offseason]

When speaking to the media on Saturday following the Colts’ loss to the Packers, head coach Shane Steichen said he is “very close” to naming a starter for the beginning of the 2025 campaign. Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson each saw action today, with both attempting 11 passes during the game. That adds to the performances each have submitted throughout the summer.

“I’ve seen obviously three weeks of it,” Steichen said (via Fox59’s Mike Chappell) when speaking about the ongoing contest. “I’d like to have a decision here shortly. Yeah, I feel pretty clean when I make that decision. Again, when I make this decision, I’m going to do what I feel is best for this football team.”

Jones – added in free agency on a one-year deal as the Colts’ target for a veteran capable of competing with Richardson for the QB1 gig – held a “significant” lead in the competition before training camp began. Richardson managed to rehab his latest shoulder injury in time to start Indianapolis’ preseason opener, but a dislocated finger limited his time in that contest. The fourth overall pick in 2023’s draft has played just 15 regular season games to date, and his showings in that span have fallen well short of expectations.

After relying on Gardner Minshew and Joe Flacco as veteran insurance the past two years, the Colts will lean on Jones to at least serve as an experienced fill-in option. The former Giants top-10 pick flamed out of New York last year, but landing the starting position would allow for a fresh start. Jones, 28, secured over $13MM fully guaranteed when signing with Indianapolis. That figure confirmed his status as a genuine contender for first-team responsibilities on his new squad, and it will be interesting to see if Jones will at least begin the season atop the depth chart.

The Colts have missed the playoffs for four straight seasons, and Steichen’s tenure as head coach (starting in 2023) has yielded a 17-17 record. Finding long-term stability under center will be critical for the franchise – and, quite possibly, Steichen’s job security – but consistent play in the immediate future will be highly important as well. Clarity on how the 2025 campaign will be approached could emerge soon.

Anthony Richardson To Start Colts’ Preseason Opener

Anthony Richardson has missed a chunk of the Colts’ quarterback competition, seeing more shoulder trouble shelve him during minicamp. But the third-year passer returned in time for training camp, keeping him in step with Daniel Jones in this battle.

Although Jones was viewed as more likely to win the job thanks to Richardson’s latest absence, the ex-Giant has not distanced himself here. He will now take a backseat to the younger passer to open the preseason. Shane Steichen said today (via ESPN.com’s Stephen Holder) Richardson will start Indianapolis’ preseason opener Thursday. Jones will make the start in the Colts’ second preseason game.

[RELATED: Assessing Colts’ 2025 Offseason]

Richardson will play roughly a quarter and a half, Steichen said (via the Indianapolis Star’s Nate Atkins) while Jones will finish that stanza. That order will flip against the Packers next week. This does not yet represent a missed opportunity for Jones, as the Colts obviously have a vested interest in giving Richardson reps, but the high-profile import has not created separation in this matchup during camp.

Neither player has looked overly impressive, per Holder, who notes both QBs have shown inconsistency in line with their careers to date. The Colts signed Jones after Richardson’s historically inaccurate 2024 season, one that also featured the memorable tap-out sequence that affected the dual-threat player’s standing in the locker room. The Colts had also deemed Richardson’s preparation methods insufficient, leading to an in-season benching for the since-departed Joe Flacco. Jones, 28, is a much younger option and was believed to enter camp as the more likely starter. After minicamp, the former No. 6 overall pick was believed to hold a “significant” lead for the job.

Richardson had recovered a bit before camp and did not start camp on the active/PUP list, bringing a good sign he could at least threaten Jones, who landed a $14MM deal ($13.15MM guaranteed). That checks in north of backup money (non-Kirk Cousins division), but the Colts seeing Richardson strides would naturally be encouraging given what the organization has sunk into the one-year Florida starter. Richardson has probably not seen enough game action for a final determination, missing 13 contests as a rookie and six last season. But time is running out, after he finished with a ghastly 47.7% completion rate last season.

Benched and then quickly released by the Giants midway through last season, Jones landed with the Vikings’ practice squad but rejected a free agency offer to stay thanks largely to the Colts opportunity providing a better chance to start. Jones has operated “neck and neck” with Richardson, per The Athletic’s James Boyd. This standing could be perceived as a slight to Jones given his significant experience edge.

Jones would certainly offer more stability compared to the erratic Richardson, but the ceiling disparity between the two is also important here. The upcoming games against the Ravens and Packers will go a long way toward determining which arm Steichen chooses for Week 1. Though, this competition will almost definitely carry into the season. Steichen has said he is prepared to take his time on the decision, and the possibility of in-season benchings certainly looms considering the two passers’ profiles.

Anthony Richardson Is Healthy, Ready To Compete With Daniel Jones For Colts’ QB Gig

With the Colts’ veterans due to report in less than a week, quarterback Anthony Richardson is “going to be good going into training camp,” according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder.

Richardson injured his shoulder during OTAs and missed mandatory minicamp, giving new teammate Daniel Jones a chance to take an early lead in the Colts’ starting quarterback competition. Richardson only appeared in 15 games (all starts) in his first two seasons due to injuries, a key factor in the team’s decision to sign Jones and publicly announce an open competition for the QB1 gig.

It was only two years ago that the Colts selected Richardson with the No. 4 pick, but there are signs that the team considers Jones to be a legitimate starting option for the 2025 season. One is that Jones opted to sign in Indianapolis in the first place.

“There was more interest in Daniel Jones out there than people realize,” said ESPN’s Adam Schefter. If Jones chose the Colts over other suitors, that would suggest that he believed he had the best chance of winning a starting job in Indianapolis.

Schefter also noted that the Colts gave Jones $14MM this offseason, more than what Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers received. Both are more experienced than Jones and seem to be the presumptive starters for their teams, so it would stand to reason that Jones is in a similar position.

Jones’ ability to command a new offense will be crucial to his chances of winning the starting job. Richardson, meanwhile, will have to prove that his shoulder is fully healthy and develop some mental and technical consistency to put him in a position to start.

Daniel Jones Holds ‘Significant’ Lead On Anthony Richardson For Colts’ QB1 Job

Daniel Jones made the strange jump from a player who underwhelmed wildly on a pricey second contract to one who did not earn a backup job — after signing with the Vikings — into one who has the inside track to start for the Colts a year later.

The latest Trade Rumors Front Office piece explored this dynamic, noting how rare it is for a team to use eight Week 1 starting quarterbacks in a nine-season span (and the big-picture impact Jones suddenly seems to have in Indianapolis). As it stands, Jones is on track to become Indianapolis’ eighth Week 1 starting QB since Andrew Luck‘s shoulder injury shelved him for the entire 2017 season.

Because Richardson missed time during Indy’s offseason program due to reaggravating a shoulder issue that once required surgery, The Athletic’s James Boyd notes Jones has a “significant” lead to become the team’s Week 1 starter. This was set to be an even competition, but with one participant losing so much time and entering after glaring accuracy issues, Jones is poised to benefit.

Based on Richardson’s career arc, this should not surprise. The Colts expressed considerable disappointment in the former No. 4 overall pick last season, benching him for performance and maturity issues, and they have seen him miss 17 games — due to myriad issues — because of injury. Richardson joined first-round busts Akili Smith, JaMarcus Russell and Tim Tebow among the select few of 21st-century QBs to attempt at least 200 passes in a season and complete fewer than 50% of them. On the heels of the Florida product’s concerning 2024, the Colts signed Jones to a one-year, $14MM deal that included $13.15MM fully guaranteed.

The Giants demoted Jones after starting 2-8 last season, making the predictable move due in part because of a $23MM injury guaranteed that would have vested had the then-starter failed a March 2025 physical. While the Giants’ benching avoided that money from entering the equation, they cut their six-year starter in November and preempted a post-June 1 2025 release — one that would have allowed them to split the dead money (from Jones’ signing bonus) — as a tool to move on. The Vikings did not sign Jones from their practice squad until January 7, and they still made him a healthy scratch for their wild-card game against the Rams.

Indy’s issues finding a post-Luck solution, with Richardson struggling to become the answer after a line of veterans stopped through town, led to the team outbidding the Vikings for Jones in March. Minnesota made one-year offers to Jones and Darnold, undoubtedly extending a larger proposal to the latter, but did not end up — after passing on an interested Aaron Rodgers — adding a notable bridge option. J.J. McCarthy is almost certain to start in Week 1, as the Colts emerged in the Jones mix days before the legal tampering period. A viable path to a starting job sold Jones on Indy.

Although the Colts have not revealed a Richardson timetable, the third-year passer expects to be ready by the start of training camp. He has now been in Shane Steichen‘s system for three offseasons, but a player that only started one season in college has not logged the reps the team hoped for since being drafted. And his decision to ask out of a Texans game for a play became a flashpoint regarding simmering maturity issues.

Richardson will still have a shot to topple Jones in the fight for the Colts’ starting gig in camp, but he will reenter that pursuit behind on the scorecards.

Colts HC Shane Steichen Addresses QB Competition Schedule

Earlier this offseason, Colts head coach Shane Steichen said the evaluation of Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will begin during spring practices. He offered further details on the team’s quarterback competition at the onset of OTAs.

“We’re breaking down the reps,” Steichen said (via a team transcript) when asked about how the workload will be split between Richardson and Jones over the course of Organized Team Activities. “I think through OTAs, we’ve got nine good practices. They’ll both get about 170 reps apiece with those guys, with the ones and twos, and we’ll flip-flop them.”

Richardson immediately took on starting duties as a rookie despite his limited playing time in college. The Florida product only managed four games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, limiting his time to develop at the NFL level. In 2024, Richardson’s accuracy struggles continued with a completion percentage of just 47.7% and he found himself being replaced by Joe Flacco at one point during the year. Flacco’s departure left Indianapolis in need of a new veteran capable of handling QB1 duties.

That resulted in the Jones deal. His one-year pact has a base value of $14MM, nearly all of which is guaranteed. Incentives are also in place which could increase the former Giant’s 2025 earnings and potentially help his market value for next spring. Of course, a long run with Jones atop the depth chart would be an indication Richardson was unable to earn the starting gig in Year 3.

Such a development would not be welcomed by the team after making Richardson the fourth overall selection in 2023. After the coming season ends, a decision will need to be made on the 23-year-old’s fifth-year option. Exercising it would keep Richardson in place through 2027, although a notable step forward will be needed for such a commitment to be feasible. In the meantime, his attention will be aimed at preparing for a healthy campaign and outperforming Jones.

Midway through his ill-fated Giants extension, the former No. 6 pick was waived. Jones landed a deal with the Vikings to close out the year, but – just like Sam Darnold – he departed on the open market in search of his best chance to serve as a starting quarterback again. A path to that role clearly exists in Indianapolis, and it will be interesting to see if the even split in reps yields a clear frontrunner for the QB1 gig in the near future.

Colts To Begin QB Competition During Spring Practices

Daniel Jones elected to depart the Vikings in free agency by taking a deal with the Colts. The former Giants first-rounder did so because he felt the move gave him a better chance at operating as a starter.

Jones will collect a base value of $14MM on his one-year Indianapolis contract, a sign of his opportunity to handle QB1 duties. If that is to take place, he will need to outperform incumbent Anthony Richardson. The latter has not developed as hoped during his two seasons in the NFL, creating the need for veteran competition. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed on Monday the evaluation of both Jones and Richardson will begin during upcoming offseason workouts.

“It’ll start in the spring,” Steichen said of the competition (via Joel A. Erickson of the Indy Star). “They’re going to split the [first-team] reps through practice and going into training camp, and really, it’s going to come down to who’s the most consistent, who’s the most productive, will be the starter.”

Selected fourth overall in 2023, Richardson faced questions upon arrival in the NFL based on his lack of starts in college and issues related injuries and accuracy. He won the starting position right away as a rookie, but a shoulder injury limited him to only four contests. The 22-year-old made 11 starts last season, one in which he found himself benched in favor of Joe Flacco at one point.

Steichen added the decision to bring in a veteran capable of earning the starting gig was made immediately after the season ended. Consistency will be a requirement in Richardson’s case if he is to operate atop the depth chart in 2025 and beyond. The Florida product completed only 47.7% of his pass attempts last season, and matching improved accuracy with his high rushing upside, will be necessary this offseason.

Jones’ Giants tenure ended when he was waived midway through the 2024 campaign. He did not see any game action with the Vikings, but he will have the opportunity to change that situation with the Colts starting in the near future.

Colts, Daniel Jones Agree To Deal

Daniel Jones was known to be facing a Vikings-or-Colts decision and he has made his choice. The former Giants starter is heading to Indianapolis on a one-year deal, as first reported by Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Earlier today, ESPN’s Stephen Holder confirmed Jones was down to either remaining in Minnesota or heading to Indianapolis. Both teams were waiting to see which direction he went, with the call deciding how each would operate under center for the rest of the offseason. After taking Monday to weigh his options, Jones has made a commitment.

This pact will be worth $14MM, ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds. That figure represents the base value of the contract, as Pelissero notes Jones can earn up to $17.7MM. The Colts have their veteran Anthony Richardson competition in place for 2025. $13.15MM is fully guaranteed, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, with Pelissero adding that number is comprised of a $6.5MM signing bonus and $7MM in guaranteed salary. The maximum value of the deal can be unlocked via $850K in active roster bonuses ($50K per game) and playing time/wins/playoffs incentives.

The Vikings made a push to retain Jones, Rapoport reports. To little surprise, though, the chance to earn a starting gig represented a key factor for the former No. 6 pick. Richardson has not developed as planned early in his career, and Colts GM Chris Ballard made it clear his inconsistent play and injury troubles would lead to a veteran addition capable of handling QB1 duties. At a minimum, Jones will able to provide the team with an experienced backup, though Pelissero confirms an open competition is on tap. Indeed, Jones confirmed he was told he would have an opportunity to compete with Richardson (via James Boyd of The Athletic (subscription required)).

The 27-year-old raised eyebrows when he received a four-year, $160MM Giants deal in 2023. That pact – authorized by a Joe Schoen-Brian Daboll regime which did not draft him – did not pan out as planned, and midway through the past campaign his benching was followed up by his release. Minnesota added him on the practice squad with the potential to remain in place for 2025.

That especially remained true in the wake of Sam Darnold turning his Pro Bowl Vikings season into a lucrative Seahawks agreement. With Jones now out of the fold, though, Minnesota is set to rely on 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy as their starter moving forward. The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie campaign due to a meniscus tear, but he will be healthy in time for the 2025 season. A modest free agent signing can be expected to operate as his backup.

Richardson earned the starting gig right away as a rookie, but he was limited to only four games that year due to a shoulder injury. The 2023 No. 4 pick managed 11 appearances this past season, but he was temporarily benched in favor of Joe Flacco as the Colts offense underperformed. Richardson, 22, posted a completion percentage of just 47.7% and a negative touchdown-to-interception ratio last season. A notable step forward will be required in 2025, and the first step in his efforts in that regard will involve winning an offseason competition with Jones.

Vikings Considering Re-Signing Daniel Jones; Colts In Play For QB?

MARCH 9: As Darnold nears a trip to free agency, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports retaining Jones is still a distinct possibility. The Colts are the other top contender in this situation, she adds. Other quarterbacks will no doubt receive more attention over the coming days as the early portion of free agency unfolds, but Jones could have his next deal in place rather soon.

MARCH 2: Lost in the shuffle among this year’s free agent quarterback crop, Daniel Jones still looms as a potential bridge option for a team. After Geno Smith, Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold rejuvenated their careers on one-year deals in recent years, Jones could be in play for a team eyeing a similar rebound for a once-highly regarded prospect.

Jones had more time with his initial team (by a wide margin) than those players, potentially reducing the chances he can still be a starter-caliber passer, but interest remains in the six-year Giants starter. Holding exclusive negotiating rights with Jones until March 10, the Vikings remain in play to re-sign him in a plan that would not include Darnold.

As Minnesota has until 3pm CT March 4 to use its franchise tag on Darnold, the team could go with a cheaper plan while passing on cuffing its 2024 starter. The prospect of the Vikings re-signing Jones as J.J. McCarthy insurance is believed to be a true consideration, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes. This would set Darnold up to hit the market as the top QB option and essentially thrust Jones into the role Darnold held going into the Vikes’ 2024 offseason program. This is not the first time Jones taking Darnold’s Twin Cities spot has come up.

Although a report pegged McCarthy as having work to do — following two knee surgeries — to solidify himself as the Minnesota starter, Fowler pushes back on that by indicating the Michigan alum has already shown he can be the team’s franchise QB. Considering McCarthy lost his entire rookie year due to a meniscus tear, it would be difficult for the Vikings to truly express confidence in their preferred 2025 option being ready. But the team showing this much confidence already would seem to point Darnold out of town.

The Vikings signed Jones to their practice squad last November, keeping him there until January. Jones was not active for Minnesota’s wild-card game, separating this from the situation in which Mayfield used a Rams stopover to help generate some momentum. Jones has next to no momentum after disappointing on his four-year, $160MM Giants extension, but he is a former No. 6 overall pick who will only be going into his age-28 season. Considering Kevin O’Connell‘s acumen coaching QBs, Jones on a bridge deal would be a sensible option for a Vikings team with lucrative contracts at receiver and tight end.

Minnesota has still kept its Darnold card close to the vest, though it would seem the only way he would stay is in the case of a franchise tag, which a recent report tabbed as unlikely. Darnold has a chance to score a much bigger contract, after making the Pro Bowl on the original ballot in a 2024 breakthrough, compared to the one-year, $10MM he inked with the Vikes last March. While his exit would allow for Jones to take his place, Darnold receiving the tag would force Jones to look elsewhere. Even if the Vikings do not tag Darnold, they would need to fend off other suitors for Jones.

One could be the Colts, whom Fowler adds he heard connected to Jones on multiple occasions recently. The Colts are ready to insert Anthony Richardson into a legitimate competition. While the team would understandably hope the former No. 4 overall pick wins it, Richardson’s rampant accuracy issues — before and after a midseason benching — have created a need in Indianapolis. A Jones-Richardson competition would not exactly inspire confidence, but Shane Steichen also played a key role in developing Jalen Hurts. The Colts would hope he can do more with Jones than Brian Daboll could.

Justin Fields, Trey Lance and a Jacoby Brissett reunion are also believed to be options for the Colts, Fowler adds. Indy would need to pay up for Fields, who has been connected to just about every QB-needy team this offseason. The Steelers appear to have him prioritized over Russell Wilson, while the Giants, Jets and Raiders are also being tied to the 2021 first-rounder. Lance-Richardson would be a wild matchup, like a crossroads fight in boxing, as both have not come close to justifying their draft slots. Lance also would not bring much insurance, given his struggles and inexperience.

Brissett has a history of helping the Colts out as a short-term solution, being an emergency Andrew Luck fill-in in 2017 and 2019. He signed a two-year, $30MM Colts extension but left in free agency after backing up Philip Rivers in 2020. Brissett has signed one-year deals in each of the past four offseasons and is unlikely to stay with the Patriots.

Vikings Not Expected To Re-Sign Sam Darnold; Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers On Radar

Friday’s Raiders-Seahawks trade has shaken up the quarterback market. As Geno Smith‘s relocation moved the Seahawks into the group of teams needing a quarterback, Sam Darnold immediately became connected to Seattle. That has changed his status with the Vikings.

Although the Vikings came out of the franchise tag deadline with interest in retaining their 2024 starter at a lower rate, that no longer looks to be in play. In the wake of the Smith trade, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports the Vikings are not expected to re-sign Darnold. They are now focused on other options.

As J.J. McCarthy moves closer to the starting role, a Darnold defection will allow the Vikes to focus on a cheaper option. On that note, Daniel Jones remains in play to stay. Jones will not bring nearly the price tag Darnold will, but the Vikings might not be the only team that views the ex-Giant as a player who could conceivably traverse the Smith, Darnold and Baker Mayfield trajectory. A Colts-Jones link emerged earlier this week, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport confirms Indianapolis will be a factor for Jones as they search for a veteran to compete with Anthony Richardson.

In addition to Jones, a much bigger name lurks. As the Giants have been the team primarily linked to Aaron Rodgers, Rapoport adds the Vikings loom as a dark horse for the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Yes, Rodgers continuing to follow Brett Favre‘s late-2000s career path appears realistic. McCarthy is on track to practice in the spring, per Pelissero, but the Vikings remain expected to add a veteran as a stopgap — at the very least. Rodgers having options may dissuade him from a placeholder scenario like this, but it is not like the Giants would call it a day if they signed the 41-year-old QB.

Rodgers’ path to Minnesota would be slightly different than Favre’s, as the latter’s Packers successor spent two seasons with the Jets as opposed to one. A since-outlawed poison-pill provision stipulated the Jets would have needed to send the Packers three first-round picks had they traded Favre to the Vikings — the QB’s first choice back when Rodgers took over in Green Bay. After Favre retirement No. 2, the Jets merely cut Favre and watched as he joined the Vikings months later. He spent two years in Minnesota, with the first season going much better than the second. Rodgers is about to be cut, and Minnesota needs a veteran.

With no prospect on the Giants’ roster just yet, Rodgers could have a chance to be a full-season starter with the Big Apple’s NFC team. Though, the Giants have been closely tied to a trade-up for Cam Ward. Still, that is not a lock to take place. A veteran who joins Big Blue has a clearer path to keeping the job throughout 2025 compared to one who signs with the Vikings, who are close to beginning McCarthy’s time as a first-stringer. That will affect Minnesota’s QB approach.

The Vikings had elevated Jones from their practice squad late last season but did not dress him as Darnold’s backup in their wild-card game. Nick Mullens did so, but Jones — after six seasons of starter work with the Giants — would be in place to become McCarthy’s primary 2025 backup if he re-signs.

As Darnold’s market soared thanks to his bounce-back season in Kevin O’Connell‘s QB-friendly offense, Jones staying has always loomed as a possibility. With Darnold-Seahawks ties quickly emerging after the Raiders’ Smith acquisition, Jones being a much cheaper post-Darnold solution is not too difficult to envision. Will Jones be the Vikings’ preference to Rodgers?