In November, the Vikings signed Jones, the sixth-overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. With Sam Darnold expected to leave via free agency, Jones would be a cheaper option to back up J.J. McCarthy while offering the upside of a former starter coming off the bench.

The futures of Kevin O'Connell and Sam Darnold are among the many things Minnesota must work out after its first-round playoff exit.

The Minnesota Vikings played their two worst games of the season to first lose out on the division title and first seed in the playoffs and then go one-and-done in a quick end to their postseason. It was as disappointing an end to their season as their 14-3 record was a positive surprise.

However, the Vikings will enter free agency with the sixth-most cap space. They had a fantastic offseason in 2024 by adding several free agents who played significant roles in the 14-3 season. If the Vikings can replicate any of that success,