Daniel Jones, commonly known as “Danny Dimes,” recently made headlines via signing with the Minnesota Vikings for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season. After a turbulent ride with the New York Giants, Jones now aims to reset his profession. This blog dives into why this move matters, his background, and the intriguing details of his career thus far.
Why Is Daniel Jones Called Vanilla Vick?
Danny Dimes isn’t just his nickname. Among his teammates, Jones now also goes by “Vanilla Vick.” But how did this moniker come about? It was all thanks to his former Giants teammate, Saquon Barkley.
During an “Inside the NFL” portion, Barkley energetically alluded to Jones as Vanilla Vick, contrasting the quarterback’s downplayed disposition and amazing athletic blasts to the playing style of the incredible Michael Vick. While Jones doesn’t commonly rely on his mobility, his ability to occasionally break off surprising runs earned him this quirky nickname.
Jones embodies a unique blend of skill and quiet determination, making this lighthearted nickname humorous and oddly fitting. But will his move to Minnesota give Vanilla Vick new opportunities on the field?
Is Daniel Jones Being Cut?
Daniel Jones was released by the New York Giants, marking the end of his time with the team that drafted him sixth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
The unexpected pass came after Jones became benched in advance of the 2024 season in prefer of 0.33-string quarterback Tommy DeVito. Jones, who had inked a big 4-year $one hundred sixty million extension with the Giants in 2023, asked for his release as tensions between him and the group grew.
The Giants made this decision strategically. By cutting Jones, they avoided the risk of him suffering an injury that could trigger a $23 million guaranteed payment for 2025. It was a tough financial and roster management decision, closing an era for a quarterback they once considered their franchise centerpiece.
Is Daniel Jones the Giants’ Starting QB?
Not anymore. After being benched in favor of Tommy DeVito, Jones saw his status as the starting quarterback evaporate. This development shocked many observers, especially since the Giants had signed Drew Lock as a backup quarterback for the season. However, head coach Brian Daboll trusted DeVito instead of the veterans on the roster.
This benching symbolized the official end of Jones’ time as the Giants’ starting QB, a job he held from the very start of his career in 2019. While some applauded the move for signaling a rebuild for the Giants, others lamented the unceremonious exit of a quarterback who had fought to prove himself in the storms of New York media pressure.
How Many Seasons Has Daniel Jones Played?
Daniel Jones has finished six seasons inside the NFL, all with the New York Giants until his recent flow to the Vikings. Jones threw for 14,582 yards and 70 touchdowns during his career with the Giants.
While he started strong, critics often pointed out inconsistencies in his performances. In any case, he showed looks at brightness, contributing altogether to the Goliaths’ triumphs during his residency. Following his delivery by the Goliaths in 2024, his transition to the Vikings marks what could be a crucial section in his vocation.
Danny Dimes Signs with the Vikings for 2024
Now, about his move to Minnesota. After leaving the Giants, Daniel Jones signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings worth $375,000. Starting as part of the Vikings’ practice squad, Jones is slowly working to showcase his abilities to the new team.
Though his contract is short-term, it’s a second chance for Jones, a clean slate to prove his worth in a different system. The Vikings, meanwhile, have brought him in to boost their quarterback depth, possibly envisioning him as a backup or someone who could step in under specific circumstances.
Jones is set to become a free agent again following the 2024 season, making this stint with Minnesota an essential proving ground. More opportunities could await him next year if he can demonstrate his skills and versatility.
A Fresh Start for Danny Dimes
After years of being the face of the New York Giants, Daniel Jones is embarking on a brand new chapter with the Vikings. His profession hasn’t been without challenges, complaints, accidents, and the regular stress of being under New York’s highlight, which has defined a great deal of his story.