The Minnesota Vikings had their sights set on maintaining quarterback Daniel Jones round for an additional season.
The workforce’s offseason technique shifted dramatically when Jones opted to pursue a chance elsewhere.
NFL Community insider Tom Pelissero just lately make clear the scenario throughout an look on the Ross Tucker podcast, revealing the Vikings had truly put a contract supply on the desk for Jones.
Once they sensed his hesitation about returning, they finally pulled that provide and pivoted to buying and selling for Sam Howell as an alternative.
“It sounded just like the Vikings thought that Jones was coming again, however then they simply bought the sense proper on the finish that he was not likely convicted about coming again to Minnesota,” Pelissaro mentioned. “[They said] ‘In the event you don’t need to be right here, we’re not going to carry you,’ in order that they pulled the supply to Daniel Jones, and he goes to the Colts.”
“It sounded just like the Vikings thought Daniel Jones was coming again…he ended up taking somewhat bit much less by way of assured cash from the Colts.”@TomPelissero with an fascinating tidbit concerning the Vikings QB room: pic.twitter.com/ZXqXk9sKk3
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) Might 7, 2025
The connection between Jones and the Minnesota Vikings started final season after they signed him after his midseason launch from the New York Giants in 2025.
Because the sixth general choice within the 2019 NFL Draft, Jones introduced potential regardless of not taking a single snap throughout his six weeks backing up Sam Darnold.
The Vikings initially considered him as priceless insurance coverage behind rookie first-round decide J.J. McCarthy heading into 2024.
For Jones, the Indianapolis Colts introduced a extra engaging scenario with clearer potentialities for enjoying time.
Anthony Richardson has struggled by means of his first two NFL seasons, even dealing with a benching final 12 months.
This uncertainty created a gap that Jones couldn’t ignore, though it meant accepting much less monetary safety.
Ultimately, Jones guess on himself and his talents, signing a one-year deal value $14 million with the Indianapolis Colts, together with $13.15 million assured.
Whereas the assured cash may not match what Minnesota provided, the prospect to compete for a beginning function proved extra priceless to a quarterback seeking to reestablish himself within the league.
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