Vikings Rumors: KOC Told Sam Darnold That Daniel Jones Has No Impact on His Future

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell assured starting quarterback Sam Darnold that the addition of Daniel Jones doesn't affect how the team views him, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

"Before Daniel Jones agreed to join the practice squad this week, coach Kevin O'Connell told Sam Darnold, 'This has nothing to do with you short or long term,'" Pelissero said on Sunday.

After Jones was released by the New York Giants, he signed a contract worth $375,000 to close out the season with the Vikings.

He'll enter free agency in 2025, but O'Connell didn't completely rule out a reunion when speaking to reporters after the team added him.

"I don't think we need to think about that at this time," O'Connell said (h/t Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk). "I'm just excited to get him here. I think there are short-term and long-term conversations that are going on at every position on our roster."

Darnold is also set to become a free agent at the end of the season, signing a one-year contract worth up to $10 million to join Minnesota in March.

The 27-year-old should receive much more interest from opposing teams compared to Jones, as he's thrived throughout his first year with the Vikings.

In 11 starts, Darnold has completed 67.6 percent of his throws for 2,717 yards and 21 touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions. He's averaging a career-high 247 pass yards per game, leading Minnesota to a 9-2 record.

The Vikings' 2025 quarterback situation is up in the air, as J.J. McCarthy will be making his return after missing the 2024 season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Minnesota used the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 draft to select McCarthy and he projects as the team's long-term option under center. If it's too expensive to retain Darnold following his breakout season, the Vikings may choose to keep Jones and utilize him as a cheaper backup option.

O'Connell doesn't reportedly view the acquisition of Jones having an impact on the future of Minnesota's current starter, though.