Former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones explains why he decided to sign with the Vikings after being released last week

Last week, the New York Giants waived quarterback Daniel Jones after the former No. 6 overall pick requested his release following his opt-out in favor of Tommy DeVito. Jones — who was benched largely so the Giants could avoid paying the injury guarantees in his contract next offseason — cleared waivers Monday and, earlier this week, signed with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad.

He spoke to the media for the first time on Friday.

“I’m excited to be here. I’m excited to be a Minnesota Viking,” he said. “Great opportunity. I’m just looking to help and be a part of this team. I’ve got good momentum and I just want to help in any way I can.”

Jones also explained why he chose to sign with Minnesota, when he would have had the opportunity to sign with several different franchises.

“You look at offensively, what they’ve been able to do, the system, coach O’Connell and his staff, a lot of good things happening across the board as a team and organization,” Jones said . “But especially on offense. I’m just excited to join in and help out wherever I can.”

Jones will likely serve as the backup to Sam Darnold, who started all of this season following first-round pick JJ McCarthy’s torn ACL suffered during the preseason. The Vikings are 9-2 and likely on their way to the playoffs, and the ability to make the playoffs would also have factored into Jones’ decision-making process.

Darnold has struggled several times this season with turnovers, and if those issues resurface, it’s possible the Vikings could turn to Jones. And because he signed with the practice squad rather than the active roster, he can freely sign with any other team if their starter gets injured and they want to offer him a starting role. He will then become a free agent again next offseason and can decide whether to pursue a starting opportunity or sign up as a backup and look to rebuild his market value.