Why the Minnesota Vikings would want Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is no mystery, but it's not because of his normal level of play. Jones spent a couple of months in Minnesota in 2024, and according to ESPN, the Vikings might be interested in bringing him back.
Minnesota is trending toward making the playoffs, despite fairly underwhelming quarterback play. This is what happens when a team signs Kyler Murray in free agency: they're bound to be disappointed.
Indianapolis won't make the playoffs unless a miracle happens. The odd hope is that many fans probably hope that miracle doesn't occur. The Colts need to make fundamental changes, and making a run to the postseason might mean the team thinks about keeping head coach Shane Steichen, for instance.
Indianapolis Colts should trade Daniel Jones to the Vikings if they want him
Of course, we all know Indy isn't going to make the playoffs, so even pondering the thought is rather moot. Steichen has set a soft culture, and Indy needs to get tougher. It also needs to start over at quarterback because Jones has been awful this season.
Sure, he's spent time in Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell's system, but Jones isn't playing winning football. Still, if Minnesota wants to trade for him, the Colts should welcome the move.
Steichen wouldn't be happy; he clearly likes Jones as a person, but the coach is also incapable of switching from Jones to Anthony Richardson when everyone can see how badly Jones is performing. Five interceptions and nine interceptions after a career spent underwhelming his employers? Most teams would have moved on already.
By either releasing or trading Daniel Jones, Indianapolis would save $38 million in 2027. That's a must. That includes not paying him a guaranteed $10.51 million if he is on the roster on March 15. Let the Vikings worry about that decision. Indy needs a do-over.
How much is Daniel Jones worth in a trade? More importantly, how much is he worth to the Indianapolis Colts in a trade? A second-round pick? Ideal, but likely not realistic. Jones isn't a high-end starter. He hasn't been over a full season.
A third-round pick shouldn't be out of the question for a player expected to start immediately on his new team. How much Minnesota wants to pay, if the team is even actually interested in Jones, is unknown.
One thing is clear: Whatever happens in Week 9 for the Colts shouldn't affect whether Indianapolis decides to trade Daniel Jones. Indy could beat the Dallas Cowboys by 30 or lose by that much. The long-term plan should remain unchanged. The Colts need to acquire draft picks, the kind a trade of Jones would bring.
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