Daniel Jones has found a new home, and this time, it’s with the Minnesota Vikings. In a surprising twist, Jones has gone from being the Giants’ starting quarterback to being signed to the Vikings’ practice squad. While this move may seem unexpected, it could turn out to be a win-win for both Jones and the Vikings—though it’s a bit of a nightmare for the Giants.

A couple of years ago, Daniel Jones was riding high after leading the New York Giants to a playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings. His performance in that game was electric—he ran the ball with ease, threw precision passes, and managed the game well. That playoff victory earned him a four-year, $40 million contract from the Giants, a deal that seemed like a major step forward for both Jones and the team.

However, the situation quickly soured. Without the help of star running back Saquon Barkley, Jones has struggled to replicate his earlier success. His performance this season has been lackluster, and the Giants, unable to continue paying a quarterback who wasn’t playing up to his contract, made the decision to release him. That’s where the Minnesota Vikings swoop in.

For the Vikings, signing Jones to the practice squad is a brilliant move. While they’re only paying him $100,000 for now, they get the benefit of having a quarterback with significant playoff experience. With Sam Darnold currently holding down the backup role and Nick Mullins also in the mix, the Vikings needed someone with a stronger pedigree in big-time games. Jones may not be the starter, but his experience and physical skills make him a valuable asset, especially if something were to happen to Darnold. Jones’s ability to step in and perform, as he did for the Giants in that playoff game against Minnesota, could be crucial if the Vikings make a deep postseason run.

The Vikings are betting on Jones’s potential to thrive in their system. Under head coach Kevin O’Connell, who comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree, the Vikings are hoping to tap into Jones’s potential in a way the Giants couldn’t. O’Connell helped revitalize Baker Mayfield’s career after a rough stretch, and the Vikings believe they can do the same with Jones. In this quarterback room, which includes veteran Josh McCown, Jones has the opportunity to learn and develop in a supportive environment that could help him rediscover his form.

For Jones, this move represents a fresh start. After his rocky tenure with the Giants, he now finds himself in a position to prove that he can still play at a high level. Being exposed to a new system, especially one as quarterback-friendly as O’Connell’s, could be exactly what Jones needs to rebuild his career. If he performs well, whether as a backup or potentially stepping into a starting role, Jones could position himself for a lucrative future, whether with the Vikings or another team.

However, this move is definitely a loss for the Giants. The team is now faced with the reality of letting go of a quarterback they once invested heavily in. And imagine the irony if Jones ends up being a key player for the Vikings in their playoff run. It would be a bitter pill for the Giants to swallow, knowing they let a quarterback who once played so well against them go to a division rival. The Vikings, with a playoff-bound team, could see Jones step in if needed and make an impact, all while the Giants are left to figure out their next move at the position.

In the end, the Vikings look like they’ve made a smart, low-risk move that could pay off in a big way. Jones, at just $100,000 for now, offers the Vikings depth and experience they didn’t have before. It’s a win for the Vikings and a chance for Jones to prove he’s still got it. But for the Giants, this is a tough reality check. Letting go of a quarterback who once gave them hope—only to see him potentially help a division rival—could be a situation they regret for a long time.

So, as Rich Eisen aptly put it: this is a win for everybody… except for the Giants. The Vikings get a quarterback with playoff experience at a minimal cost, while Daniel Jones gets another shot to prove himself. Meanwhile, the Giants are left wondering what might have been.