Earlier on Tuesday, ESPN’s Stephen Holder confirmed Jones was right down to both remaining in Minnesota or heading to Indianapolis. Each groups had been ready to see which route he went, with the decision deciding how every would function below middle for the remainder of the offseason. After taking Monday to weigh his choices, Jones has dedicated.
This pact will probably be price $14M, ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds. That determine represents the bottom worth of the contract, as Pelissero notes Jones can earn as much as $17.7M. The Colts have their veteran Anthony Richardson competitors in place for 2025. $13.15M is totally assured, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
The Vikings made a push to retain Jones, Rapoport reports. To little shock, although, the possibility to earn a beginning gig represented a key issue for the previous No. 6 choose. Richardson has not developed as deliberate early in his profession, and Colts GM Chris Ballard made it clear his inconsistent play and damage troubles would result in a veteran addition able to dealing with QB1 duties. At a minimal, Jones will capable of present the staff with an skilled backup, though Pelissero confirms an open competitors is on faucet.
The 27-year-old raised eyebrows when he acquired a four-year, $160M Giants deal in 2023. That pact — approved by a Joe Schoen-Brian Daboll regime that didn’t draft him — didn’t pan out as deliberate, and halfway by means of the previous marketing campaign, his benching was adopted up by his launch. Minnesota added him to the follow squad with the potential to stay in place for 2025.
That particularly remained true within the wake of Sam Darnold turning his Professional Bowl Vikings season right into a lucrative Seahawks agreement. With Jones now out of the fold, although, Minnesota is about to depend on 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy because the starter transferring ahead. The 22-year-old missed his total rookie marketing campaign attributable to a meniscus tear, however he will probably be wholesome in time for the 2025 season. A modest free agent signing may be anticipated to function as his backup.
Richardson earned the beginning gig instantly as a rookie, however he was restricted to solely 4 video games that yr attributable to a shoulder damage. The 2023 No. 4 choose managed 11 appearances this previous season, however he was briefly benched in favor of Joe Flacco because the Colts offense underperformed.
Richardson, 22, posted a completion proportion of simply 47.7 p.c and a destructive touchdown-to-interception ratio final season. A notable step ahead will probably be required in 2025, and step one in his efforts in that regard will contain successful an offseason competitors with Jones.
