Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones signed with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday afternoon, and fans are shook. After the Giants benched Jones for Tommy DeVito and then released him, he will now get a fresh start with a playoff contender.
Jones, known for his up-and-down play (and occasional wild moments), is expected to back up starting quarterback Sam Darnold in Minnesota. Let’s see what fans think of the move.
Fans React to the Daniel Jones Sweepstakes
Prior to joining the Vikings, Jones received interest from the Las Vegas Raiders, but the veteran QB ultimately eliminated the team from his list of potential destinations.
Jones wanted to join a team that’s headed to the postseason, but many fans poked fun at the Raiders for getting rejected by the quarterback.
Reactions came in fast and furious. One fan couldn’t help but say, “Imagine getting rejected by Daniel Jones.”
Imagine getting rejected by Daniel Jones
— Mike Maher (@mikeMaher) November 26, 2024
Others jokingly compared his decision to the 2010 LeBron James free agency saga.
“League letting him move like 2010 LeBron wtf,” said another user.
League letting him move like 2010 lebron wtf https://t.co/I9OAV1GxIE
— kyle (@knicks_tape99) November 26, 2024
The fantasy football parallels also didn’t go unnoticed.
“This is like when you have a fantasy player and try to trade him but everyone in the league says he’s trash so you drop him and everyone puts a claim in with a ridiculous amount of FAAB,” one fan tweeted, reflecting the collective surprise at Jones’ options despite his underwhelming play with the Giants.
This is like when you have a fantasy player and try to trade him but everyone in the league says he’s trash so you drop him and everyone puts a claim in with a ridiculous amount of FAAB.
— Oscar⚡️ (@Oscardelabra5) November 26, 2024
Another fan speculated that Jones might not want the pressure of starting. “He doesn’t want to play football lol,” they joked, suggesting that Jones may prefer a backup role with a postseason contender, cashing in without taking the field.
And then there’s the financial side: “You get him for super low rn,” one fan pointed out, noting that Jones would be on a low-risk, high-reward deal that could eventually lead to a compensatory draft pick.
ESPN’s Louis Riddick chimed in, saying Jones made the right decision going to Minnesota since head coach Kevin O’Connell “is exactly what you need” since he “will provide you answers.” The analyst congratulated Jones on making the right move by adding, “Well done.”
Smart move Daniel Jones.
Kevin O’Connell is exactly what you need. He will provide you answers. Well done.— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) November 27, 2024
Jones’ decision to join the Vikings left the NFL world divided — some confused, others amused, but all intrigued.
Ryan Fitzpatrick Told Jones To ‘Play for Peanuts’ on a Playoff Contender
“Play for peanuts” — that’s the career advice Ryan Fitzpatrick gave Jones.
Fitzpatrick said that he should be strategic with his next move. On his podcast, Fitz & Whit, Fitzpatrick suggested Jones hold out for a playoff contender and even consider a backup role to reset his career.
Fitzpatrick praised Jones for taking accountability during his Giants exit, saying, “He hasn’t been good enough,” but respected his leadership. While Jones has six years of experience, Fitzpatrick emphasized that he shouldn’t rush into a bad situation.
Judging by his decision to join the Vikings, perhaps Jones listened to Fitzpatrick’s advice.