Vikings, Colts named potential landing spots for projected $174 million quarterback

The Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts both have to address the quarterback position this offseason.

The Vikings are likely to start J.J. McCarthy once again next season, but after what we saw last season, Minnesota needs an insurance policy, both because of injury concerns and just in case McCarthy falters.

Indianapolis started Daniel Jones last season and that move proved to be a success before the former first-round pick suffered a torn Achilles in December. Now, his future is murky due to his pending free agent status.

With Jones slated to be a free agent, Yardbarker's Colton Edwards named the Colts and Vikings as potential landing spots for the veteran signal-caller, who Spotrac estimates will land a four-year, $174 million contract.

"The clear top fit and most predicted outcome," Edwards said of the Colts. "Jones thrived in HC Shane Steichen's system, elevating the offense to elite levels pre-injury with play-action, deep shots and mobility."

"Jones could return for head coach Kevin O'Connell. His play-action proficiency and deep-ball ability would fit their scheme," Edwards said of the Vikings.

All signs point to the Colts bringing Jones back, although the torn Achilles certainly complicates things because he may not be ready for the start of the 2026 season.

Even still, in what will be a suspect quarterback market this offseason, Jones is still arguably the best option out there and we fully expect him to stay with the Colts.

If that doesn't happen, the Vikings are a logical landing spot given Jones' link to the team from his brief stint in 2024 and Minnesota's need for a veteran behind McCarthy.

However, Jones is going to want a clear path to a starting job and it remains to be seen if the Vikings would give him that or if they're married to giving McCarthy another shot without a second thought in 2026.

The best bet for Jones is simply to return to Indianapolis, where he is likely to get the best deal and a clear-cut opportunity as the team's starter.

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