The ‘nurturing’ reason Daniel Jones chose to sign with the Vikings

Cold temperatures but a warm reception.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter explained the logic behind Daniel Jones’ decision to sign with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday after being released by the Giants.

“Daniel Jones wanted to spend the rest of this season with a playoff contender, around a nurturing head coach such as Kevin O’Connell. The Vikings met all qualifications,” Schefter wrote on X.

It had been believed since Jones and the Giants parted ways that the 27-year-old was prioritizing a contending team where he could be used as a backup.

The Ravens and 49ers were also reported as possibilities.

At 9-2, the Vikings obviously fit the criteria as a contender as they currently are one game behind the Lions in the NFC North and in the conference.

The “nurturing” part of that tweet?

O’Connell has a reputation as a player’s coach, getting an A+ from Vikings players in the NFLPA survey last season for his willingness to listen to the locker room.

Giants coach Brian Daboll has a more fiery sideline demeanor but was not far behind with an A- in the same survey.

O’Connell is also known as a quarterback whisperer and is in the midst of rehabbing Sam Darnold’s career as the Jets draft bust is having his best season in Minnesota.

O’Connell said earlier in the week that he is a “fan” of Jones and has “tons of respect” for him.

“I got to know him through the draft process years ago,” O’Connell said. “I’m sure, now that he’s a free agent, there’s probably a ton of league-wide interest in him. Daniel is going to make the decision that’s best for him in his career moving forward.

“I’m sure he’s working through that process right now. But I really can’t get into too much short-term or long-term. I can just say, I’ve been a fan of Daniel’s for a long time and hope wherever his next stop takes him, it’s a good opportunity for him.”

Darnold signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings this offseason after spending last year as Brock Purdy’s backup with the 49ers.

The 27-year-old has completed 221-of-327 passes for 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Minnesota this season, potentially setting him up to sign a long-term deal this offseason.

Darnold’s Vikings future is somewhat tenuous with J.J. McCarthy, who they selected with the tenth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, returning next year after tearing his meniscus in the preseason.

Jones initially signed Wednesday on the Vikings’ practice squad behind Darnold and veteran Nick Mullens.

If Darnold leaves in the offseason, Jones could potentially stay and try to fight for the starting job with an unproven McCarthy.

But, for now, he’s chosen a “nurturing” path after five-and-a-half rollercoaster seasons with the Giants.