The Vikings are placing defensive end Datone Jones on injured reserve due to his shoulder injury, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). He’ll likely then reach an injury settlement with the team, allowing him to explore other options.
Recently, head coach Mike Zimmer indicated that Jones was on the roster bubble.
“At times he’s had a good stretch and then stretches where he reverts back,” Zimmer said in late August.
The Vikings gave Jones a one-year, $3.75MM deal in March. The pact included a $1.6MM signing bonus, so it’s a deal that the front office regrets. On the plus side, the team saved $2.19MM by cutting ties with him now.
Jones spent the first four years of his career with the rival Packers. A first round pick in 2013, he never fulfilled his promise in Green Bay. Last year, Pro Football Focus ranked him No. 70 out of 110 qualified edge defenders.