Sam Darnold Announces Major Decision About His Future with the Minnesota Vikings

On February 20, 2025, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold officially announced that he would not be renewing his contract with the team, making him a free agent for the 2025 NFL season.

This decision comes after an impressive 2024 season in which Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record and was named the Pro Football Writers Association’s (PFWA) Most Improved Player of the Year.

Darnold, 27, joined the Vikings in March 2024 on a one-year, $10 million contract. Initially, he was expected to compete for the starting quarterback position with rookie J.J. McCarthy. However, after McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury during the preseason, Darnold seized the opportunity and became the team’s primary quarterback. He went on to achieve career-best stats, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and posting a passer rating of 102.5. )

Despite his outstanding performance, Darnold’s future with the Vikings had been a topic of discussion in recent weeks. Head coach Kevin O’Connell, who was recently named the 2024 Coach of the Year, hinted at the possibility of the team exploring other quarterback options for the upcoming season.  With McCarthy expected to return from injury, the Vikings face a crucial decision regarding their quarterback strategy.

Darnold’s departure opens up new opportunities for both sides. Given his stellar performance last season, he is expected to attract interest from multiple teams in need of an experienced quarterback. Meanwhile, the Vikings can focus on developing young talent like McCarthy or exploring other options in the free-agent market.

Vikings fans will undoubtedly remember Darnold’s contributions during the 2024 season and wish him success in the next chapter of his career.