Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold knows a thing or two about being crowned the franchise quarterback as a former first-round pick in New York. This also applies to his new Vikings teammate Daniel Jones.

Jones, who was cut by the New York Giants last week, signed with the Vikings after clearing waivers. And Darnold welcomes him with open arms as he tries to turn his career around in Minnesota.

“I signed DJ today and I’m very happy to be a teammate with him,” Darnold said Wednesday. “Spent some time with him in the past. Great guy. I’m just happy to bring him here and be teammates with him. He’s played a lot of football, so being able to draw on his experience in certain things will help this football team.”

Darnold, the No. 3 pick by the New York Jets in 2018, changed the trajectory of his career with a 9-2 start to the season with the Vikings. He was traded by the Jets in 2021 and lost the starting quarterback battle in Carolina in 1922. After a season as Brock Purdy’s backup with the San Francisco 49ers last year, Darnold is setting career highs in virtually every category in Minnesota.

Jones, currently on the Vikings’ practice squad, could have the opportunity to fill Darnold’s shoes next year if he remains with the franchise for the remainder of the 2024 season and re-signs as a free agent in March. Darnold could sign a lucrative free-agent contract elsewhere, leaving a vacancy in the Vikings’ quarterback room as he competes against first-round pick JJ McCarthy for the starting gig.

But now? Darnold and Jones are content being teammates as the Vikings try to chase the Detroit Lions in the NFC North.