As we motor on during the offseason and debate the QB situation to death, let us not forget about college prospects who might be good future Vikings. The East West Shrine Bowl practices are underway.

Shrine Bowl Preview: Media’s players to watch; full roster

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‘Dream Scenario’ Trade Pitch Sees Vikings Flip Sam Darnold in Unprecedented Move

“There’s not a lot of precedent for a quarterback of this age, coming off the season he had — especially when there might be mutual agreement between the player and the team that it will be a tag-and-trade situation going in,” Sam Ekstrom said. “I don’t know if that’s ever happened.”

“Now your market feels like a third-rounder, late second at the very best. Like, that’s the dream,” Inman said. “Realistic scenario: two later picks — like a fourth and a 2026 fifth [rounder].”

“Now your market feels like a third-rounder, late second at the very best. Like, that’s the dream,” Inman said. “Realistic scenario: two later picks — like a fourth and a 2026 fifth [rounder].”

That is a bad dream right?

Sam Darnold’s Clear Message to Vikings Front Office As Kevin O’Connell Confirms Stance on QB’s Future

It’s safe to say that Darnold’s future with the Vikings is anything but certain. The team faces a tough choice. Hand him a $100+ million contract. Use the franchise tag. Or the ultimate decision? Let him walk. Rookie JJ McCarthy is waiting for his shot. However, Minnesota is low on 2025 draft picks. Hence, a “tag-and-trade” option could be the middle ground.

Now, add to that Darnold’s latest Instagram post, and it feels somewhat like a parting/gratitude note. On January 24, the 27-year-old shared a trio of pictures from his days in 2024 as a starting quarterback for ‘The Purple and Gold’. While the photos and the caption flaunted celebratory cheer, some also read between the lines—especially given the dicey situation Darnold finds himself in.

“Year 7… So grateful for my teammates, coaches, and the entire organization. We created memories and relationships that will last a lifetime and we got to do it in front of the best fanbase in the world,” he wrote in the heartfelt caption, before also adding the mandatory “#SKOL”—the Minnesota Vikings’ war chant, and rally cry. Now, whether it’s a parting note or not…you decide. But before we let you do that…

Minnesota has salary cap space to make moves. But GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah leans toward building through the draft. Splurging on Darnold might not align with the team’s strategy with rookie JJ McCarthy developing and a loaded QB draft class in 2025. As NFL insider Adam Schefter noted, “If he [Sam] doesn’t get a fair offer from the Vikings, he could say, ‘I’m not gonna sign that.’”

Rams predicted to add former $160 million quarterback as Matthew Stafford replacement

Marissa Myers of TWSN predicts the Rams will add Minnesota Vikings free agent quarterback Daniel Jones this March as Stafford’s eventual replacement. Here was her take on the potential fit with Jones, Sean McVay and the Rams:

After he was waived by the Giants and signed with the Minnesota Vikings, he has had time to sit on the bench and learn from an offensive-minded coach in Kevin O’Connell. This is what truly makes Jones ideal, as he will be able to be a plug-and-play for Sean McVay’s offensive scheme as O’Connell, who came from the Rams, runs a very similar system. If there is any place Jones can rebound, it’s the Rams, and Los Angeles can take the chance on Jones.

Every Vikings free agent and their odds to return to Minnesota in 2025

QB Sam Darnold: 20 percent

Darnold is obviously the most important decision by a good margin. It’s certainly not impossible that he returns on a franchise tag or relatively team-friendly short-term deal, but it also seems significantly more likely that he gets a big contract elsewhere in free agency and the Vikings roll with J.J. McCarthy.

RB Aaron Jones: 45 percent

The Vikings could choose to run it back on another one-year deal with the 30-year-old Jones, who had over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns this season. They could also look to get younger at the position by drafting a back in the first few rounds.

CB Byron Murphy Jr: 60 percent

I expect re-signing Murphy to be a major priority for the Vikings, but Adofo-Mensah and company always have a certain price point they’re not willing to exceed. After six interceptions and a Pro Bowl selection, there’s a chance Murphy could land a deal on the open market the Vikings won’t match.

S Camryn Bynum: 30 percent

The Vikings love Bynum, who they drafted in the fourth round back in 2021. He was a solid deep safety for Brian Flores and brought excellent vibes (and marketing) with his elaborate celebrations. But they may not want to give a big second contract to a good-not-great safety, especially with Theo Jackson on the roster as a potential in-house replacement. Harrison Smith’s retirement decision could be a factor here.