Well, well, well… looks like Sam Darnold might be packing his bags! The Minnesota Vikings have officially decided NOT to slap the franchise tag on their starting QB, meaning he’s heading towards free agency. With March 12 right around the corner, it’s looking more and more like Darnold’s time in purple and gold is coming to an end.
The $40 Million Decision
Let’s break it down. The Vikings could have locked Darnold in for another season, but that would’ve cost them a whopping $40.2 million. That’s a BIG jump from the $10 million they paid him in 2024. Instead of committing that kind of cash, Minnesota is rolling the dice—they still wanna try and re-sign him, but now, other teams can swoop in and make their offers.
Darnold’s Career Year… and Late-Season Struggles
Nobody saw it coming, but Darnold had one hell of a season in Minnesota. The 27-year-old threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, ranking fifth in the league in both categories. Not bad for a guy who was just supposed to be a “bridge” QB while rookie J.J. McCarthy learned the ropes.
But let’s keep it real—Darnold’s hot streak cooled down late in the season. In the final two games, he barely put up 205 yards per game and managed just one touchdown with one pick in losses to the Lions and Rams. That playoff flop? Yeah, it definitely made the Vikings think twice before throwing a huge contract at him.
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What’s Next for the Vikings?
With Darnold possibly out, Minnesota might finally turn to their 2024 first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy. The kid missed all of last season after a meniscus tear, but head coach Kevin O’Connell sounds pretty hyped about his progress.
“He’s earned the right to be a free agent,” O’Connell said about Darnold. “But we will continue to have ongoing dialogue… we’re also really excited about J.J. McCarthy and his rehab.”
Translation? If Darnold leaves, it’s probably McCarthy Time in Minnesota.
https://t.co/fnXknZCU3g #nfl #SkolWith the NFL franchise tag deadline behind them, Sam Darnold's future with the Minnesota Vikings remains uncertain. After a stellar 2024 season, where he amassed over 4,300 yards and 35 touchdo…
— NFL Digest (@nflpress_digest) March 6, 2025Where Could Darnold Land?
If he doesn’t stay in Minnesota, there are already rumors swirling about where he might end up. The New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly keeping tabs on him, and let’s be real—there are plenty of QB-needy teams out there.
Darnold was a third-overall pick by the Jets back in 2018 but never really found his groove in New York or Carolina. Now, after his career resurgence in Minnesota, the question is: Will he get another shot as a full-time starter, or is he back to being a backup?
Final Thoughts
This is a huge offseason move, and it’s about to shake things up in the NFL free-agent market. Whether the Vikings bring Darnold back or hand the keys to McCarthy, one thing’s for sure—this team is gonna look very different in 2025.
So, what do y’all think? Should Minnesota bring Darnold back, or is it time to move on to McCarthy? Let’s hear it!
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