Odds make the Vikings one of the favorites to land Daniel Jones

On By Littum

The Minnesota Vikings have the second-best odds to be the next team to sign recently released quarterback Daniel Jones, coming in at +300 in a proposition bet listed at online sportsbook and casino Bovada.

The New York Giants released Jones on Friday, and the quarterback signing with the Vikings would be about the funnest possible outcome. Jones signed a massive four-year, $160 million contract with New York in March 2023, just two months after shredding the Vikings’ defense for 301 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-24 wild-card playoff victory. But Jones’ play has since fallen off, posting just a 3-13 record as the Giants’ starter since signing the lucrative deal.

It’s been a running joke among Vikings fans since then that former defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, whose defense struggled all season despite Minnesota posting a 13-3 record, was responsible for Jones getting paid.

Jones is just 2-8 as the Giants’ starter this season, throwing for 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 63% of his passes. New York announced this week that it would bench Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito.

But to be fair to Jones, for all his struggles, injuries were what derailed him last season. Jones missed three games with a neck injury before tearing his right ACL, limiting him to just six total games. And it’s not a completely crazy idea for Jones to end up in Minnesota. This season, he would likely be an upgrade over Nick Mullens as the Vikings’ backup quarterback.

In addition, if the Vikings decline to pay Sam Darnold after the season, Jones could have the opportunity to compete with JJ McCarthy, who is coming off knee surgery as the Vikings start next season. And there’s no situation better for a quarterback than throwing to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson with Kevin O’Connell calling the plays.

Although it’s worth noting, Jones asked to be released by the Giants because he wanted to play this season, something that likely won’t happen with the Vikings. That’s probably why the Carolina Panthers have better odds to land Jones at +170.

Jones will go through waivers, which he will likely clear before hitting free agency. So we’ll see where he ends up. Will it all come to a head when Jones signs with Minnesota, the team he beat in the playoffs? Only time will tell.