Unexpected Departure: Which Veteran’s Sudden Exit Shook the Vikings This Offseason?

You know, in the wild and unpredictable world of NFL offseasons, there’s always that one departure that catches you completely off guard — and the Minnesota Vikings just lived through one. When Daniel Jones, who the Vikings hoped to keep as their quarterback insurance policy, suddenly flipped the script and chased a starting gig elsewhere, the team had to pivot faster than you can say “hail mary.” But here’s the kicker: Jones walked away from more guaranteed money with Minnesota to bet on himself with the Colts. It’s a classic tale of calculation, ambition, and maybe a hint of unforeseen friction. Makes you wonder — when it comes to professional football, how much does a player’s gut feeling weigh against a fat contract? Let’s dive into what really went down behind the scenes in the land of purple and gold.

The Minnesota Vikings had their sights set on keeping quarterback Daniel Jones around for another season.

The team’s offseason strategy shifted dramatically when Jones opted to pursue an opportunity elsewhere.

NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero recently shed light on the situation during an appearance on the Ross Tucker podcast, revealing the Vikings had actually put a contract offer on the table for Jones.

When they sensed his hesitation about returning, they ultimately pulled that offer and pivoted to trading for Sam Howell instead.

“It sounded like the Vikings thought that Jones was coming back, but then they just got the sense right at the end that he was not really convicted about coming back to Minnesota,” Pelissaro said. “[They said] ‘If you don’t want to be here, we’re not going to hold you,’ so they pulled the offer to Daniel Jones, and he goes to the Colts.”

“It sounded like the Vikings thought Daniel Jones was coming back…he ended up taking a little bit less in terms of guaranteed money from the Colts.”@TomPelissero with an interesting tidbit about the Vikings QB room: pic.twitter.com/ZXqXk9sKk3

— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) May 7, 2025

The relationship between Jones and the Minnesota Vikings began last season when they signed him after his midseason release from the New York Giants in 2025.

As the sixth overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, Jones brought potential despite not taking a single snap during his six weeks backing up Sam Darnold.

The Vikings initially viewed him as valuable insurance behind rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy heading into 2024.

For Jones, the Indianapolis Colts presented a more enticing situation with clearer possibilities for playing time.

Anthony Richardson has struggled through his first two NFL seasons, even facing a benching last year.

This uncertainty created an opening that Jones couldn’t ignore, even though it meant accepting less financial security.

In the end, Jones bet on himself and his abilities, signing a one-year deal worth $14 million with the Indianapolis Colts, including $13.15 million guaranteed.

While the guaranteed money might not match what Minnesota offered, the chance to compete for a starting role proved more valuable to a quarterback looking to reestablish himself in the league.

The post Insider Says Vikings Were Surprised 1 Veteran Left Team In Offseason appeared first on The Cold Wire.