Ex-Viking Daniel Jones's Bet on Himself Paid Off in Debut with Colts

When Daniel Jones left the Minnesota Vikings last spring, many thought he was making a mistake. Jones spent the final months of the 2024 season in Minnesota after being kicked to the curb by the New York Giants, and although he had spent that time soaking in knowledge from head coach Kevin O’Connell, it seemed like he was leaving the nest too early to sign with the Indianapolis Colts.

Jones’ bet included a hefty payday of $14 million, but it also gave him a chance to start and bet on himself. In his Indianapolis debut, Jones showed why that bet could pay off as he led the Colts to a 33-8 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon.

Former Vikings QB Daniel Jones Looked Like a Different Player in Debut with Colts

Jones was dominant in his first game with Indianapolis, completing 22-of-29 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown. While he also made an impact with his legs, running seven times for 26 yards and two touchdowns, his impact went beyond the box score as the Colts obliterated the Dolphins.

Indianapolis scored on all seven possessions, and the defense backed Jones up by forcing turnovers on three of Miami’s first four drives. With Jones leading the way, the Colts earned their first season-opening win since 2013 and may have found their solution at quarterback for this season.

Jones came into the league as the sixth overall pick by the New York Giants in the 2019 draft and tantalized everyone by leading a Wild Card upset of the Vikings during the 2022 playoffs. In that game, Jones became the third quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 300 yards and two or more touchdowns while running for over 70 yards in the playoffs, joining Steve Young and Michael Vick.

That led to a four-year, $160 million contract with the Giants in the spring of 2023. But the big payday wasn’t all that it seemed as Jones tore his ACL during the 2023 season. After struggling to open 2024, he was released midway through last season and joined the Vikings in part to learn from O’Connell. 

O’Connell revived Sam Darnold’s career, and many thought he could do the same if Jones returned to Minnesota and backed up J.J. McCarthy this season. But Jones chose to go to Indianapolis and battle Anthony Richardson for a chance to start and wound up winning the job, paving the way for Sunday’s performance.

If Jones can continue to play like he did on Sunday, he’ll be another successful patient in O’Connell’s quarterback rehabilitation school. But more importantly for him, he’ll also be on his way to cashing in on another big contract, giving him another chance to bet on himself.

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