Why the Vikings’ Ideal QB2 is Already in the Twin Cities

Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Newly acquired Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones walks off the field after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Don’t let Daniel Jones leave town. He’s the Vikings’ ideal QB2.

The plan should involve moving forward with J.J. McCarthy as the starter for 2025. Yes, he’ll need to return to full health and prove he can shoulder the burden during the offseason, but the franchise is high on him. Losing a season of practicing hurts but he has matured mentally and will have a strong understanding of the scheme. Putting Jones – someone with lots of starting experience who can be legit competition in training camp – behind McCarthy is the correct decision.

Daniel Jones is the Vikings’ Ideal QB2

Prior to coming to Minnesota, Sam Darnold spent time with the San Francisco 49ers.

Darnold functioned as a backup behind Brock Purdy. Doing so allowed him to get out of the spotlight for a while to just work on his craft. Learn better study habits, refine his technique, and get his body fully healthy. He then entered free agency in 2024 ready to resume his career as a starter, even if it was only on a single-season deal for $10 million from the Vikings.

Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14), quarterback Nick Mullens (12), quarterback Brett Rypien (19) take the field during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Jones, very realistically, could do something similar.

Standing at 6’5” and weighing 230 pounds, Mr. Jones has the perfect build to be an NFL quarterback. Even better, Jones is a wonderfully gifted athlete, proving capable of picking up yards with his feet and bringing the ball across the goal line.

Of course, things aren’t entirely rosy for Jones. There is a reason, after all, why New York opted to move on from the 2019 No. 6 pick less than a couple of years after handing him a major extension.

As a passer, Jones leaves a little something to be desired. His career has involved completing 64.1% of his passes – solid but not spectacular – while throwing for 14,582 yards, 70 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions. How much of the struggle stems from being the Giants’ QB?

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones (13) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 27-year-old passer still has upside in him. Playing under a quarterback expert in Kevin O’Connell can only be a positive for Jones. True, there’s no guarantee that Jones will live up to his draft slot, but it’s almost indisputable that the Giants didn’t put him in a great spot to succeed. Allowing Jones to get away from the New York media, function as a backup, and learn from within a stable organization is a good approach for getting his career back on track.

The Vikings have an excellent QB2 in the building. Don’t let him walk away in free agency.

Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.


K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter, as a co-host for Notes from the North, and as the proprietor at The Vikings Gazette, a humble Vikings Substack.