Datone Jones released from injured reserve by Minnesota Vikings
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings hoped they could turn the career of Datone Jones around in a new setting, but the experiment came to an end very quickly.
When a talented player is struggling in one environment, sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery and a new perspective to turn things around. That exactly what the Minnesota Vikings were hoping when the signed Datone Jones in free agency.
A former first round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers, the UCLA standout struggled to find a role with the team. After four seasons, the two parted ways and the defensive lineman found himself in free agency for the first time.
Minnesota signed him to a one-year deal, giving the young man a chance to prove himself to the team as well as show that he can thrive in a new environment.
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Sadly, that experiment didn’t go well. On September 2, 2017, Datone Jones was placed on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury. He didn’t stay on the team’s IR for very long, as he was released on Friday, September 8th.
The Vikings terminated deals with another freshly signed veteran who wasn’t panning out after the start of the preseason during final cuts. Bears lineman Will Sutton was another player who the team hoped with thrive in a new system.
The Twin Cities Pioneer Press reports that Jones’ time with Minnesota will end up costing the team “at least $1.838 million for this season” despite never appearing in a regular season contest.
In the meantime, the Vikings will move forward at defensive end with Everson Griffen, Danielle Hunter, Brian Robison, Stephen Weatherly, and undrafted free agent rookie Tashawn Bower on the roster.
Next: Vikings trade for CB Tramaine Brock
The Viking Age would like to wish nothing but the best for Datone Jones in his future and thank him for his time spent with the Minnesota Vikings. Hopefully, he can heal completely and find his groove in the NFL upon his return.