Why are Vikings paying Daniel Jones $375,000? NFL insider explains reasoning behind ex-Giants QB's new salary
The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Daniel Jones to their practice squad on Wednesday, after the former first-round pick was released by the New York Giants. Despite interest from several teams, Jones opted to sign with the Vikings. The deal is for just $375,000, which surprised some observers.
However, ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano explained that any money Jones signed for in 2024 will be credited back to the Giants, meaning he won't receive any more money. This explains why he signed for the minimum amount with Minnesota.
"Daniel Jones' contract with the Giants included offset language against his guaranteed 2024 salary, so any money he gets from a new team would be credited back to the Giants," Graziano wrote. "For that reason, expect Jones' deal with a new team, assuming there is one this season, to be for a prorated portion of the veterans minimum, much like Russell Wilson's deal with the Steelers for this season.
"That means any team signing Jones right now would have to pay him roughly $375,000 for the remainder of this season. The 2025 injury guarantee that was in Jones' Giants contract does not follow him to his new team. This would be a new deal completely, with no commitment for 2025 or beyond."
Jones is on the Vikings practice squad and will look to compete for the backup job behind Sam Darnold.
Before being released, Jones went 216-for-314 for 2,070 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.
Sam Darnold is thrilled Daniel Jones signed with the Vikings
Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback Sam Darnold is happy that the team signed Daniel Jones to the practice squad.
Jones will come in and learn the system and add some more experience to the quarterback room. Darnold also says he knows Jones well so is excited to work with him and pick each other's brains.
"Very happy to be teammates with [Daniel Jones]. I've spent some time with him in the past [and he's a] great guy," Darnold said, via FanSided. "Just excited to get him in here and be teammates with him. He's played a lot of football, so just to be able to draw from his experience on certain things is going to help this football team."
Jones joins the Vikings quarterback room which features Darnold, Nick Mullens, Brett Rypien, and injured J.J. McCarthy.
Minnesota will return to the field on Sunday at home against the Arizona Cardinals.