The Minnesota Vikings had initially planned to retain the quarterback for another season.
However, their offseason plans took a turn when the quarterback decided to explore other opportunities.
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, who spoke on the Ross Tucker podcast, the Vikings had actually extended a contract offer to him.
But when they sensed he was uncertain about returning, they chose to withdraw the offer and instead traded for Sam Howell.
“It seemed like the Vikings believed Jones would re-sign, but they realized late in the process that he wasn’t fully committed,” Pelissero explained. “They told him, ‘If you don’t want to be here, we won’t force it,’ so they rescinded the offer, and Jones ultimately signed with the Colts.”
Daniel Jones’s connection with the Minnesota Vikings began in the previous season, when they picked him up following his midseason release from the New York Giants.
Although he didn’t play during his six weeks as Sam Darnold’s backup, the former sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft still carried promise.
Minnesota saw him as a reliable backup option for their 2024 first-round rookie quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.
However, Jones found the opportunity with the Indianapolis Colts more appealing due to a clearer path to playing time.
With Anthony Richardson underperforming through his first two seasons — including being benched last year — Jones saw a chance to compete for the starting job.
Despite sacrificing some financial security, he embraced the opportunity, signing a one-year, \$14 million contract with Indianapolis, including \$13.15 million guaranteed.
While the Vikings may have offered more guaranteed money, the possibility of earning a starting role outweighed the financial difference for a quarterback eager to revive his career.