Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings
Could Sam Darnold Return to the Vikings? A Reunion Remains Possible
All hope is not lost for a reunion between the Minnesota Vikings and quarterback Sam Darnold. While his future remains uncertain, ESPN’s Benjamin Solak recently outlined a potential path that could lead him back to Minneapolis on a long-term deal.
“If Darnold’s market indeed comes in near $40 million per year, the Vikings will likely get priced out as they address other positions,” Solak wrote on January 28. “But if Darnold wants to stay in the O’Connell offense and Minnesota can get him at a lower figure, don’t be surprised to see it happen.”
Solak also pointed out the strategic advantage of such a deal, stating that Darnold’s contract could become a valuable trade asset if J.J. McCarthy develops into a franchise quarterback, or serve as a safety net if McCarthy struggles. This would be a preferable approach to using the franchise tag, which would cost the Vikings $41 million against the 2025 cap and make trading Darnold far more difficult.
Sam Darnold Holds the Leverage in Free Agency
Heading into the offseason, Darnold finds himself in a position of significant leverage. The quarterback market is relatively weak, with only two draft prospects—Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Cam Ward (Miami)—carrying first-round grades.
Additionally, the free-agent class lacks elite options. Veterans like Russell Wilson and Andy Dalton are available, but both are coming off underwhelming seasons. Even if Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers hit the market following potential releases by the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets, Darnold would remain the most attractive option for teams in need of a starting quarterback.
With multiple teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants, reportedly in the market for a new quarterback, demand for Darnold could exceed the available supply, increasing his potential contract value.
Vikings Face a Tough Decision at Quarterback
The Vikings are at a crossroads with their quarterback situation. They must determine how much they trust McCarthy to take over as the franchise’s leader under center and whether Darnold is worth a long-term financial commitment.
Several key questions loom for Minnesota’s front office:
- How good is McCarthy?
- How good is Darnold?
- What is Darnold worth?
- Can they trade either player for valuable draft capital?
- Does it make sense to spend a large chunk of their 2025 salary cap on a solid but unspectacular quarterback like Darnold while McCarthy remains an unknown?
“Smart teams don’t let quarterbacks who just performed well over a 14-win season leave the building easily,” Solak noted. “General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who comes from an analytics background, primed coach Kevin O’Connell on the very possibility of Darnold playing his way into a multiyear contract before the 2024 season even began.”
Minnesota’s Roster Needs Could Play a Role
While keeping Darnold would provide stability, the Vikings must also consider their other roster needs. The secondary is expected to undergo significant turnover, and the interior offensive line requires reinforcements. With nearly $64 million in cap space, Minnesota has the financial flexibility to make moves, but they also have just three draft picks in April, making their decision at quarterback even more crucial.
Ultimately, the Vikings must decide whether to invest heavily in Darnold or pivot to McCarthy while using their resources to bolster the rest of the roster. Either way, their choice will shape the team’s future for years to come.
