As unlikely as it may seem, Darnold’s gesture could make for a smooth landing were he to return to his former stomping grounds. It is more likely that Darnold, a former New York Jet, returns to the Big Apple than Jones.
However, former Jones’ former Giants teammate and veteran offensive lineman Justin Pugh believes Jones is primed to assume the role Darnold was supposed to have this season.
“I don’t know where Sam Darnold ends up, he could be back with the Jets,” Pugh told Sportscasting’s DJ Siddiqi in an interview published on December 12. “The Jets are going to get a quarterback probably next year. He could come to the Giants.
“You signed Daniel Jones to almost fill the role that Sam Darnold was going to fill before the year started. He can go out there and he’s been a starting quarterback in the NFL. He knows the system, but J.J. McCarthy is going to be the starter for the Minnesota Vikings. People forget how good J.J. McCarthy looked in the preseason.”
Daniel Jones with a class move. He may not be the Giants QB anymore but … he sent all the offensive linemen who were on the roster with him a limited edition bottle of Clase Azul.
Jones was benched and released by the Giants last month. He’s on the Vikings practice squad.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) December 20, 2024
Darnold has been QB1 since arriving in Minnesota.
However, there was growing optimism about McCarthy’s readiness before he tore his meniscus in the preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders in August. He underwent surgery, ending his season, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert on December 16.
"If J.J. McCarthy is what the Vikings think he can be they're winning a Super Bowl at some point, maybe multiple in the next 8 to 10 years. I think KOC is that good of a head coach" 🙌
– @PhilMackey on #Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell pic.twitter.com/VfXiNJbcmZ
— SKOR North – Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) December 17, 2024
J.J. McCarthy Could Have Big Impact on Daniel Jones’ Future
Darnold has played well. But Darnold has also had rough patches. It is fair to wonder if Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell would have switched QBs this season if McCarthy was healthy.
There remains a path for Jones to emulate Darnold’s 2024 regular season arc with the Vikings too. McCarthy underwent a second procedure on the knee in November.
He remains on track to open training camp healthy.
.@ShannonSharpe doesn't think the Vikings should sign Sam Darnold to a long-term deal 😯
"Quarterback is the only position that they'll pay you based on potential or if you have one good year." pic.twitter.com/N1DnLXrFE9
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 9, 2024
But the time off the field has put him back a year despite the Vikings’ efforts to keep him involved. That could make Jones (or even Darnold) a frontrunner should the rookie hit a wall or suffer any setbacks in his recovery.
At worst, Jones can be a formerly highly-touted backup. 50 QBs have started at least one game this season. Of the league’s 32 teams, 14 have used multiple QBs, including the Giants.
