During an appearance on the Ross Tucker Podcast, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com shared that he is of the understanding that the Vikings offered Jones more guaranteed money, but they were still turned down.
- Daniel Jones contract (Spotrac): $14 million base salary, $6 million signing bonus, $13.15 million guaranteed at signing
The Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings both competed for quarterback Daniel Jones in NFL free agency this offseason, with Jones ultimately joining the AFC club. While both teams had plenty to offer, Indianapolis reportedly won out despite putting let money on the table.
The former sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft might’ve had a chance to compete with J.J. McCarthy to be the Vikings’ starting quarterback in 2025. Given his familiarity with the team’s offensive system and how well-regarded he was by the coaching staff, Jones would’ve had a better shot than any outside quarterback.
However, even with the Vikings reportedly putting more money on the table, Jones chose Indianapolis. He certainly saw a clearer path to being the starting quarterback and he’s already started training with Colts’ No. 1 receiver Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason.
It took until April for Minnesota to find its backup quarterback, swapping fifth-round picks (142nd overall for 172nd overall) with the Seattle Seahawks for Sam Howell. It will only be a one-year solution, though, with Howell hitting free agency next offseaso