The Vikings have run into their best quarterback since Brett Favre in 2009. But with their highest-drafted quarterback waiting in the wings, the Vikings can’t trust starting money to Sam Darnold.
So where will Darnold be in 2025?
Simms and I talked about the options on Wednesday PFT Live. Look at the teams. Not many players will definitely be looking for a starter after the season.
The current list consists of the Jets, the Steelers (possible), the Titans (possible), the Raiders, the Giants, the Saints (possible), the Seahawks (possible) and the Rams (possible).
Which of those teams will target Darnold? How much are they going to offer?
Despite his mostly stellar performances so far in 2024, some might attribute this to Kevin O’Connell’s influence. Some may think it cannot be duplicated elsewhere. Some may not be willing to pay him a contract that approaches market value.
If Darnold’s best game is to be a bridge starter/backup, perhaps the road will take him back to Minnesota. JJ McCarthy has not proven himself and he needs to prove not only that he can play, but that he can stay healthy. Darnold could be a valuable insurance policy for the second year in a row.
It’s a tough situation for the Vikings. They can’t throw in the towel on McCarthy. They shouldn’t move forward without a proven veteran behind McCarthy. There might be a way to go both ways: skip to 2025 with Darnold and McCarthy and see what happens.
It won’t be easy. it won’t be as cheap as 2024. And it will require releasing Darnold in free agency and hoping his options, or lack thereof, make him interested in staying in purple. Even if he doesn’t end up being the starter.
