Vikings remain among favorites to land free agent QB Daniel Jones

Last week, the New York Giants made the somewhat surprising decision on Sunday to waive former starting quarterback Daniel Jones. The team had previously demoted him to third-string quarterback, and the two sides came to an agreement to part ways.

Now, a couple of days later, Jones has cleared waivers, and speculation about his next team has kicked into high gear.

In an appearance on NFL Gameday Monday morning, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport mentioned four teams as “front-runners” in the Daniel Jones sweepstakes, and the Minnesota Vikings were among those four teams.

In speaking on the Jones situation, Rapoport explained that no team was going to claim Jones of waivers due to the money Jones would be owed on his contract if any team were to claim him. Now that he’s cleared waivers, though, he’s free to sign with any team he chooses — likely for a veteran minimum contract ,according to Rapoport.

Rapoport then mentioned the San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, and Baltimore Ravens as teams that could be in play for Jones’ services. The 49ers may be the most likely choice, depending on how starting quarterback Brock Purdy continues to recover from a shoulder injury.

Rapoport also mentioned the Las Vegas Raiders as a potential suitor for Jones. Las Vegas recently had their starting quarterback, Gardner Minshew, go down for the season, which could potential mean a starting spot for Jones. However, Jones is reportedly seeking a team in the playoff hunt, which would seemingly eliminate the Raiders from contention.

If Jones were to sign with the Vikings, or with any other team for that matter, Rapoport mentions he would not be surprised if Jones does so on a practice squad to start, which would keep his options open should another starting quarterback go down with an injury elsewhere.