Sam Darnold Has Reportedly Scared Teams

Nov 24, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Once again, the Minnesota Vikings enter a potentially huge offseason for the organization’s future. Last year, the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes shaped the franchise’s outlook, this time, his successor, Sam Darnold, will be in the spotlight.

Sam Darnold Has Reportedly Scared Teams

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Jan 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws the ball against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Darnold was hired last offseason to be a bridge option until the incoming rookie would be ready. J.J. McCarthy’s knee injury, however, changed the equation, as Darnold was asked to be the captain of Kevin O’Connell’s ship for the entire season.

But the former third overall pick was ready for it, enjoying his breakout season in Minnesota’s excellent offense with weapons around him and a great play-caller in his ears.

That led to the best season of his career, as he tossed 35 passing touchdowns and over 4,300 passing yards; he guided the Vikings to 14 victories, more than doubling the projected win total.

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is sacked against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

His performances throughout the season, especially in those 14 wins, created a market for the veteran. A guy with a season as good as Darnold’s 2024 would surely earn him a sweet contract in free agency and a guaranteed QB1 job somewhere.

However, just as important as his play in the wins is his play in the losses, especially the catastrophic season finale in which the signal-caller stumbled. The lights were too bright for him in the two games with playoff atmosphere, against the Rams and Lions.

Suddenly, folks stopped speculating about an annual salary of $45 million or more and returned to the question of whether the QB was a long-term starter or should return to the bridge QB business.

Nov 10, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) heads into the tunnel after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Jeff Howe (The Athletic) reported on Friday that teams might have been scared off by those couple of outings.

Of course, teams will also explore the veteran market, but there are more temporary fixes than long-term solutions. Sam Darnold was viewed for a while as the best player available, to the point where it seemed to be a lock he’d get a contract worth north of $40 million annually, but his poor play over the Minnesota Vikings’ final two losses has scared teams. It’s unclear how his offseason will transpire at this point.

There are still too many QB-needy teams to envision Darnold’s market to be completely diminished. No front office and coaching staff would risk losing their job over not having a solid quarterback, and Darnold showed in the 2024 season that he can operate an offense at a high level.

Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates his touchdown pass to wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Darnold is benefitting from a subpar draft class at the quarterback position. Cam Ward and Shadeur Sanders have been viewed as the top passers in this year’s draft, but they wouldn’t match up favorably against last year’s talented QB class.

The Vikings will be the first domino to fall in the race for Darnold. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell have earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to quarterback decisions. They need to make a call on letting Darnold walk, using the franchise tag, or handing the veteran a new contract.

McCarthy is waiting in the wings, and he should be healthy when the 2025 campaign kicks off. The decision-maker’s belief in him will likely impact the decision on Darnold’s future.

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Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates running back Aaron Jones’ (33) touchdown run with head coach Kevin O’Connell during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

At this point, nothing in the Darnold sweepstakes would be surprising. A big contract or a short-term deal to be a one-year solution could both be possible.

Free agency begins on March 12th. The Vikings have to make a franchise tag decision a week before that.


Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt