For the second year in a row, the biggest offseason question surrounding the Minnesota Vikings has to do with the team’s quarterback position. This year, the question is about Sam Darnold and whether he will return to the team or sign elsewhere this offseason.
In a conversation with SiriusXM NFL Radio on Friday, Darnold shared how much thought he’s put into figuring out where he might play in 2025 so far this year.
“I’ve put a little bit of thought into it. I’m not going to share anything about what I’ve been thinking or, obviously, the conversations I’ve had behind closed doors. But there’s obviously a lot that’s gotta happen still, even after the Super Bowl. So, just going to continue to talk to my agent and figure things out from there.”
Insider would be “surprised” if Sam Darnold re-signs with the Minnesota Vikings
Unsurprisingly, anyone and everyone has been sharing their thoughts about where Darnold might end up this offseason, and the latest comes from ESPN’s Dan Graziano on Friday, who isn’t expecting the quarterback to remain in purple and gold for the 2025 season.
“[Darnold] will probably have a free-agent market that prices him out of what Minnesota wants to do, given that J.J. McCarthy is [returning].
…I’m going to be surprised if he’s back on the Vikings [in 2025].
Currently, Spotrac.com has Darnold’s market value netting him a possible four-year contract worth $160.5 million in free agency this offseason, with an average annual salary of $40.1 million.
While the quarterback might wish to remain with the Vikings for at least another season, he is certainly going to have more earning potential this year if he signs with another team. With J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings, it wouldn’t be wise for Minnesota to commit a lucrative, multi-year contract to Darnold, who might have already reached his ceiling with the Vikings during the 2024 season.
February 18th is the first day that Minnesota is able to place the franchise or transition tag on Darnold if that’s something the team is considering. We will likely know more about the quarterback’s future with the Vikings once that date approaches.
