Daniel Jones has officially decided his next NFL chapter, and it won’t be with the Baltimore Ravens. The former Giants quarterback, once rumored to be a potential fit as Lamar Jackson’s backup, has signed with the Minnesota Vikings. This move leaves the Ravens still needing a viable option behind Jackson as Jones takes his talents to the NFC North.

For a player who was reportedly intrigued by Baltimore’s offensive system and playoff aspirations, his decision to join Minnesota feels like a surprising twist. But as the Vikings continue their push for postseason depth, Jones must have seen something in Minnesota that Baltimore couldn’t offer.

Daniel Jones picks Minnesota Vikings over Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens seemed like a natural fit for Daniel Jones. Baltimore’s run-heavy offense, built around Lamar Jackson’s mobility and explosiveness, caters to dual-threat quarterbacks like Jones. Plus, with an 8-4 record and their sights set on a deep playoff run, the Ravens offered an opportunity to be part of something big this season.

Jones, a 27-year-old free agent after his messy exit from New York, was reportedly drawing interest from multiple contenders, including Baltimore. His skill set aligns well with what the Ravens value – a quarterback who can move, extend plays, and function in a dynamic system. The chance to reset his career under offensive coordinator Todd Monken must have been tempting.

Instead, Jones chose Minnesota. And while the Vikings lack Baltimore’s star power at quarterback, they do provide Jones a clear path to learning under head coach Kevin O’Connell, widely regarded as a quarterback guru.

Jones signing elsewhere leaves the Ravens thin behind Jackson. Their current backup, Josh Johnson, is 38 years old and far from the dynamic presence Baltimore would need if Jackson were to miss time. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, having a reliable contingency plan at quarterback is critical, and Jones seemed like a pretty ideal candidate.

But his move to Minnesota highlights a key factor: The Vikings offered Jones a low-pressure environment to rebuild his career, as he’ll start on the practice squad with minimal expectations.

For the Ravens, missing out on Jones is a missed opportunity to shore up a position that often becomes critical in the playoffs. For Jones, it’s a bet on himself in a system where he can quietly work toward redemption. But one thing is clear: by picking Minnesota, Jones sent a message – he didn’t see Baltimore as the right fit for his fresh start.

As Schultz noted, Jones chose a playoff contender with a QB-friendly offense and a staff known for developing talent. And who knows if the Ravens even offered him a chance. But clearly, he saw something in the Vikings that he didn’t see in the Ravens.

Only time will tell if he made the right call, but his decision speaks volumes.