The Minnesota Vikings may be facing a significant change in their quarterback lineup for the 2025 NFL season. Last year, quarterback Sam Darnold led the team to an impressive 14-3 record, showcasing his skills and potential. However, recent reports from NFL Media suggest that the Vikings are unlikely to use the franchise tag on Darnold, which could pave the way for him to become a free agent on March 12. This decision places the future of the Vikings' quarterback position in uncertain territory.
At just 27 years old, Darnold is coming off a career-defining season with the Vikings. He ranked fifth overall in the league for passing yards with a total of 4,319 and threw an impressive 35 touchdown passes. Despite these accomplishments, Darnold was on a one-year contract, brought in as a bridge quarterback following the Vikings' selection of J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. McCarthy's unfortunate knee injury during the preseason solidified Darnold's role as the starting quarterback.
The Vikings had the option to secure Darnold's return for the 2025 season by utilizing the franchise tag, which would have guaranteed him a salary of $40.2 million. This figure is substantially higher than the $10 million the Vikings paid him in 2024. Reports indicate that the Vikings are considering re-signing Darnold, but they are unlikely to do so through the franchise tag route. The deadline for this decision is set for 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, which adds urgency to the situation.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell hinted early in February that the team may allow Darnold to test free agency. "He's earned the right to be a free agent," O'Connell stated on February 6. The coach emphasized the team's ongoing discussions with Darnold and his representation while expressing excitement about McCarthy’s recovery progress. This suggests that the Vikings are preparing for a future with McCarthy as a key player.
While Darnold's overall performance during the season was commendable, he struggled in the final stretch. In the last two games of the year, the Vikings managed only 18 points, and Darnold averaged a mere 205.5 passing yards, completing only one touchdown pass while throwing an interception. This decline in performance during critical moments has led the Vikings to reevaluate their options at quarterback.
If Darnold does not return to Minnesota, it may open the door for McCarthy to make his debut in the NFL. After undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus, McCarthy missed the entire 2024 season. As for Darnold, his future remains uncertain. It will be fascinating to see whether he is willing to accept a contract that reflects a discount to stay with the Vikings, especially considering his previous struggles prior to his resurgence in Minnesota. Darnold, who was drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, has a career record of 21-35, but his time in Minnesota has shown a promising turnaround.
