The Vikings have stumbled into their best quarterback since Brett Favre in 2009. But with their highest-drafted quarterback ever waiting in the wings, the Vikings can’t commit starter money to Sam Darnold.
So where will Darnold be in 2025?
Simms and I talked about the options on Wednesday’s PFT Live. Look at the teams. Not many will be definitely looking for a starter after the season ends.
The current list consists of the Jets, the Steelers (possibly), the Titans (possibly), the Raiders, the Giants, the Saints (possibly), the Seahawks (possibly), and the Rams (possibly).
Of those teams, who’s going to make a beeline for Darnold? How much are they going to offer?
Despite his mostly stellar performance to date in 2024, some might attribute that to the influence of Kevin O’Connell. Some might think it can’t be duplicated elsewhere. Some might not be willing to pay him a contract approaching market value.
If Darnold’s best play is to become a bridge starter/fringe backup, maybe the road will bring him back to Minnesota. J.J. McCarthy is unproven, and he needs to prove not only that he can play but also that he can stay healthy. Darnold could end up being a valuable insurance policy, for a second straight year.
It’s a tough spot for the Vikings. They can’t throw in the towel on McCarthy. They shouldn’t go forward without a proven veteran behind McCarthy. There might be a way to have it both ways, proceeding into 2025 with Darnold and McCarthy and seeing what happens.
It won’t be easy. it won’t be as cheap as it was in 2024. And it will require releasing Darnold into free agency and hoping that his options or lack thereof make him interested in remaining in purple. Even if he ends up being not the starter.
