Daniel Jones took a big risk earlier this year when he decided to sign with the Indianapolis Colts and not return to the Minnesota Vikings. But it didn't take very long for that risk to pay off for Jones.
On Tuesday, the Colts named him the team's starting quarterback for the 2025 season, validating his decision not to re-sign with the Vikings, where he would've likely been the backup for J.J. McCarthy.
Jones has been in a battle for Indianapolis's No. 1 signal-caller job with Anthony Richardson this summer, and the team clearly liked what they saw from the former Minnesota passer better in the competition. Jones' first start since last November will have him leading the Colts in the team's regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins.
Indianapolis Colts naming Daniel Jones their starter could reward the Minnesota Vikings
Following the announcement of Jones winning the No. 1 quarterback job in Indianapolis, the Vikings have reason to celebrate as well.
Now that the veteran quarterback has been named the Colts' starting signal-caller for the upcoming season, he has a much better chance to meet the playing time requirements that would result in a fourth-round compensatory pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for Minnesota.
In order for the Vikings to be rewarded the 2026 fourth-round selection, Jones has to play a certain number of snaps in the upcoming season. The exact amount is unknown, but Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said on Tuesday that the former Minnesota quarterback is the team's starter for the entire 2025 season and not just the first few games, which will certainly help those playing time requirements be met.
None of this would have been possible either if the Vikings hadn't added Jones to the team's 53-man roster before their wild-card playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams last season. At that time, Minnesota knew that there was a chance that they could potentially earn a compensatory pick from Jones signing elsewhere, and that has also proven to be a wise decision.