Daniel Jones signs with Vikings after tumultuous exit with Giants: report

Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has reportedly found a new home; a team contending for the playoffs and even the Super Bowl.

Jones is set to sign a deal with the Minnesota Vikings, FOX Sports reported Wednesday. He will be the backup to Sam Darnold, who is having a breakout season, and learn Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, #8, calls a snap from scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

The Vikings have been a surprise contender this season with Darnold under center. The veteran quarterback was thrust into the starting role when rookie JJ McCarthy was sidelined for the season with a knee injury. Darnold has led the Vikings to a 9-2 record, just one game behind the Detroit Lions for the NFC North lead.

Jones’ run with the Giants ended last week. After he apparently said goodbye in a press conference, team co-owner John Mara announced that the team would release him.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, #14, throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

“Daniel came to see me this morning and asked if we would release him,” Mara said in a statement Friday. “We mutually agreed it would be best for him and for the team. Daniel has been a great representative of our organization, first class in every way. His handling of this situation yesterday exemplifies just that.

FOX NEWS DIGITAL SPORTS NFL POWER RANKINGS AFTER WEEK 12 OF THE 2024 SEASON

“We are all disappointed with how things have worked out. We respect Daniel very much and have a great appreciation for him. We wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

Jones cleared waivers earlier this week and was free to sign with any team.

The Giants selected Jones with the 6th overall pick in the 2019 draft. He suffered a lot of injuries during his time, but when he played one season at full health, he guided the team to the playoffs and a postseason victory.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, #8, attends a press conference after a practice session in Munich, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Lennart Preiss)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

In 70 games, he had 14,582 passing yards and 70 touchdown passes.

Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.