Source: Vikings to sign Darnold as QB, former Packers RB Jones and XFL kicker; Lowry released, Powell returning

Kelsey Christensen and Krystal Frasier KSTP

Source: Vikings to sign Darnold as QB, former Packers RB Jones and XFL kicker; Lowry released

As free agency continues into Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings have made a number of roster moves.

The team announced early Tuesday morning they have released defensive lineman Dean Lowry and waived linebacker William Kwenkeu.

Later in the day, a source confirmed to KSTP Sports that wide receiver Brandon Powell is returning to Minnesota on a one-year deal. He had the best year of his career last season, playing in all 17 games and recording 29 catches for 324 yards and a touchdown, which was the game-winner in Atlanta. He also was the team’s primary punt returner and averaged 7.8 yards across 37 returns.

Meanwhile, it appears the team has a new quarterback, running back and kicker.

KSTP Sports has confirmed the backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, Sam Darnold, will likely join the team on a one-year deal. This comes a day after Kirk Cousins decided to head to Atlanta to play with Falcons after spending six years in Minnesota. His new four-year deal there is worth $45 million per season. While the team wanted to keep Cousins, they weren’t going to guarantee him $100 million like the Falcons did.

Darnold’s deal is expected to be worth up to $10 million.

Darnold, who was the number three overall pick in the 2018 draft and spent his first three seasons with the New York Jets. He was later traded to the Carolina Panthers before he signed with the 49ers.

While it appears he is now onto the Vikings, that doesn’t mean he’s the long-term solution. The team could still draft someone to get another quarterback.

Out of the 66 games Darnold has played so far, he has started in 56.

Meanwhile, KSTP Sports confirms the team is also expected to sign running back Aaron Jones – formerly of the NFC North rival Green Bay Packers – who became a free agent on Monday after spending seven seasons with the team.

According to reports, Jones’ one-year deal would be worth $7 million.

He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft from the University of Texas-El Paso and ended up starting in 85 games and in all seven postseason games for the Packers. Jones was third in the team’s franchise history for rushing yards and 100-yard rushing games. He was also in fourth place for rushing touchdowns, with 45.

KSTP Sports has also confirmed the team signed kicker John Parker Romo.

Romo, who has kicked in the XFL, was previously in Detroit, Chicago and New Orleans.

Check back for updates.