Vikings odds of signing Daniel Jones likely shrunk after win over Bears

Before their win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings were mentioned by ESPN's Adam Schefter as one of two teams that are "likely" to sign former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during the next few days. But that likelihood might have decreased after what happened this weekend in Chicago.

Midway through the fourth quarter of Sunday's matchup, Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold had to briefly exit the game after a Bears defender landed awkwardly on his foot. While Darnold was being checked on by the medical staff, Nick Mullens took his place under center for a pair of plays.

Facing a 3rd-and-13 from Minnesota's own 27-yard line, Mullens threw a strike over the middle of the field to running back Aaron Jones, who then proceeded to gain enough yards for a first down. On the next play, Mullens put the ball in Jones's hands again, this time as a handoff, and it wound up turning into an 11-yard rush for the veteran running back.

Minnesota Vikings don't need to sign former New York Giants QB Daniel Jones this season

Mullens wasn't on the field long on Sunday, but even in his short appearance, he reminded everyone that he is still a serviceable backup.

When comparing the overall talent levels of Jones and Mullens, it's easy to make an argument in favor of the former Giants quarterback. But when one factors in how Jones would have to learn a new offense and learn the tendencies of new teammates in a short period of time, the Vikings would probably just be better off with Mullens as their top backup signal-caller for the rest of the season.

Now, when it comes to the 2025 offseason, and J.J. McCarthy is the only quarterback under contract with Minnesota, then it wouldn't be a surprise if they made a more serious pursuit at signing Jones to be the team's backup.

Perhaps the Vikings have something different in mind for Jones, but if the consideration to sign him is based on improving the team's backup situation behind Darnold, that's not something that currently seems necessary.

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