During Super Bowl week, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said quarterback Sam Darnold has earned the right to become a free agent. Whether he'll get a crack at free agency remains to be seen. The Vikings have until Tuesday to use the franchise tag on Darnold.

The New York Giants released Jones half of a season into his four-year, $160 million contract, of which $92 million was guaranteed. All that money in his pocket, plus a relatively lucrative rookie deal as the No. 6 overall pick in 2019 and the need to rebuild his value all lend to Jones coming in at a reasonable price.

The Vikings' chances of re-signing Sam Darnold are looking more unlikely as the offseason moves along, sparking an alternative plan.