Whatever happens this year, the Minnesota Vikings will have a new starting quarterback next season. Trey Wingo, formerly of ESPN, reported this on Wednesday, November 27. Wingo broke the news after Minnesota signed free agency quarterback Daniel Jones, formerly of the New York Giants, earlier that day. “Daniel Jones joining the Vikings makes complete sense. No matter what happens the rest of the season, [Sam] Darnold will not be back with the [Vikings], according to sources, giving Jones a chance to play next season if first-round pick J.J. McCarthy stumbles.” Wingo tweeted to his X account on Wednesday afternoon.
Darnold addressed the team’s decision to sign Jones during a press conference on Wednesday.
I’m thrilled to be teammates with him. I’ve spent time with him in the past; he’s a lovely guy. So, yeah, I’m happy to have him in here and be teammates with him. He’s played a lot of football, so being able to call on his experience in certain areas would benefit this football squad. For him to be able to come in here with this locker room, this coaching staff, the organization as a whole… we’ve got some fantastic people here, and I’m just excited for him to be a part of it.
The Vikings are 9-2 and second in the difficult NFC North Division, thanks in large part to Darnold’s MVP-caliber performance in the first month. He has subsequently cooled off, but he is still having a career season in his first year under Vikings head coach and offensive guru Kevin O’Connell. Darnold has 2,712 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions on the year, according to Pro Football Reference. His performance in 2024 is likely to result in a big annual rise for the quarterback, from the $10 million Minnesota pays him this season to about $32.5 million over a new four-year contract.
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