Tue Feb 25 20:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Former Giant Daniel Jones Gambles on Vikings Playoff Run, Forfeiting Free Agency Head Start
**MINNEAPOLIS, MN –** Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones took a significant gamble, prioritizing a potential playoff appearance over a head start in free agency. Released by the Giants, Jones initially joined the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad. However, just four days before the Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams, he unexpectedly signed to the active roster, sacrificing a two-month advantage in the upcoming free agency period.
This move cost Jones a considerable amount of time to negotiate with prospective teams, but he only received a $49,500 game check. The decision, however, was likely influenced by the underwhelming performance of Vikings starting quarterback Sam Darnold in the final regular season game. Jones saw an opportunity to potentially start in the playoffs, believing the risk was worth the reward.
The Vikings also benefited from Jones’s move. Should he sign with another team, his departure will factor into the Vikings’ 2026 compensatory draft pick formula. The team’s belief in Jones suggests he may even become the Vikings’ starting quarterback next season, mirroring the situation Darnold found himself in last year. There’s even speculation that Jones could follow in the footsteps of other former New York first-round quarterbacks, making a comeback run worthy of NFL Comeback Player of the Year consideration, though he might not meet the AP’s criteria. For now, the focus remains on the Wild Card game, and whether Jones will see any playing time.
First Piper 