As quarterback drama heats up in Minnesota, the Vikings made a surprise announcement Monday regarding Daniel Jones, adding a new wrinkle to an already complex situation ahead of their final quarterback decision for the 2025 NFL season.

The Vikings confirmed that Daniel Jones, the former New York Giants starter, has officially completed a private workout with the team and is being “seriously considered” as a veteran addition to the quarterback room. This news arrives just days before Head Coach Kevin O’Connell is expected to finalize the team’s starter for Week 1.

A New Contender in the Mix

Minnesota’s quarterback depth chart has been a subject of intense speculation since the offseason departure of Kirk Cousins. While rookie J.J. McCarthy, the team’s first-round draft pick, has shown flashes of promise during camp, and Sam Darnold brings veteran experience, the front office appears open to adding another seasoned option.

Enter Daniel Jones.

After an injury-riddled and underwhelming stint with the Giants, Jones became a potential trade or release candidate earlier this offseason. While New York hasn’t officially moved on, sources say the Giants have been exploring options to offload his contract, especially after drafting a quarterback of their own in April.

The Vikings’ statement confirmed the workout took place over the weekend and that the team was “impressed with Jones’ physical condition and knowledge of NFL systems.”

O’Connell’s Deliberate Approach

Speaking to reporters Monday afternoon, Head Coach Kevin O’Connell kept his cards close to the chest but acknowledged the team’s wide-ranging approach to the position.

“We’ve said all along—we’re going to explore every opportunity that can help this team win,” O’Connell said. “Daniel is a player who’s started playoff games, managed high-pressure situations, and still has a lot of football ahead of him. We’re taking our time, evaluating all the options, and doing what’s best for the long-term success of the Vikings.”

The announcement doesn’t necessarily mean Jones is coming to Minnesota, but it does suggest the front office is not entirely sold on the current options—at least not yet.

What Does This Mean for McCarthy and Darnold?

The announcement raises questions about the team’s confidence in its current quarterback lineup.

J.J. McCarthy has looked promising in preseason practices but is still seen as a developmental project. While his potential is undeniable, throwing him into the fire in Week 1 carries risk. Meanwhile, Sam Darnold has had an up-and-down training camp, showing command in some scrimmages while struggling with turnovers in others.

Adding Daniel Jones could be a strategic move to bridge the gap—giving McCarthy more time to develop while adding a starter with real NFL experience. For Darnold, however, this might signal the end of his window to secure the starting job.

Reactions and Rumors

NFL insiders and fans were quick to react to the news, with social media buzzing about the implications. Some Vikings fans welcomed the idea of adding Jones, pointing to his athleticism and playoff experience. Others questioned the decision, citing his history of injuries and inconsistent performance.

Analyst Nate Burleson weighed in during a segment on Good Morning Football:

“This tells me the Vikings aren’t ready to hand the keys over to the rookie just yet—and maybe they’re not entirely confident in Darnold either. Jones might not be a long-term answer, but he could give you breathing room to groom McCarthy the right way.”

What’s Next?

The Vikings are expected to make their starting quarterback decision within the next 10 days, and all signs suggest that Jones’ workout has complicated an already tight race.

Whether he signs or not, the message is clear: Minnesota is exploring every possible option to get the quarterback position right.

With high expectations and a competitive NFC North on the horizon, the Vikings know they can’t afford to miss.