Last season, the Minnesota Vikings became a landing spot for quarterbacks looking for a fresh start.
They played a key role in reviving Sam Darnold’s career, as the 27-year-old threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, leading the team to 14 wins and earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
That breakout led to Darnold signing a three-year, \$100 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks — a move many expected.
Seeing Darnold’s turnaround, Daniel Jones joined the Vikings after being released by the New York Giants in November, hoping for a similar resurgence.
However, Jones later signed with the Indianapolis Colts, where a clearer path to playing time opened up due to rookie J.J. McCarthy’s presence in Minnesota.
Now, with Colts starter Anthony Richardson sidelined by a shoulder injury during spring workouts, Jones looks poised to take over the starting role.
If Jones does get significant snaps in Indianapolis, it boosts the Vikings’ chances of receiving a valuable compensatory draft pick — just as they did with third-rounders following the departures of Kirk Cousins and Darnold.
So, even though Jones’ exit from Minnesota was unexpected, Vikings fans have good reason to root for his success in Indianapolis.
Colts Not Going to ‘Cut Loose’ Anthony Richardson at Training Camp, Moving Forward With Daniel Jones
After two challenging seasons marked by injuries and limited playing time, Anthony Richardson sustained a right shoulder injury that was initially expected to sideline him for the “foreseeable future.”
However, the Colts have since offered more optimistic news, indicating that Richardson is on track to return for training camp — though with a controlled workload.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero:
“I was told yesterday that he’ll 1000% be ready for training camp, but that doesn’t mean the Colts are going to just turn him loose. After missing the end of OTAs and minicamp, you’re not going to have him throw 600 balls on Day 1.”
This opens the door for Daniel Jones to take more first-team reps and increase his opportunity to make an impression. Colts coaches were reportedly excited about bringing Jones in, despite their investment in Richardson — who remains a highly promising but still raw talent.
Richardson, often described as a “remarkable ball of clay,” has spent much of his time in the training room. That recovery time has cost him valuable reps — especially significant for a young quarterback with only 13 college starts under his belt and limited professional experience.
Daniel Jones Poised to Do Vikings a Favor
The Colts’ quarterback outlook appears uncertain, especially with Anthony Richardson, who was benched in favor of Joe Flacco last season.
Now, with Richardson set to miss more time in what should be a crucial development year, Daniel Jones has a prime opportunity to step in and take control of the starting role.
If Jones can capitalize on the reps, reestablish himself as a reliable starter, and perform well enough to earn a long-term role, the Vikings stand to benefit — potentially adding another valuable compensatory pick to their growing collection.
