The Minnesota Vikings could move to retain Sam Darnold for the 2025 NFL season despite selecting J.J. McCarthy in the first round of last years draft.
Back in March, after Kirk Cousins decided to leave the franchise in favor of the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings signed Darnold to a one-year contract before selecting McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The move proved to be inspired; Darnold has led the Vikings to a 13-2 record with the journeyman quarterback enjoying a phenomenal season.
After discovering his best form under the guidance of head coach Kevin OConnell, Darnold has thrown 32 touchdowns and tallied 3,776 passing yards to just 11 interceptions with a passer rating of 105.3. Thanks to his remarkable performances, the 27-year-old is in the MVP mix alongside the likes of Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.
Given Darnolds incredible performances and the Vikings flying unexpectedly high, the NFC North franchise has a decision to make in the offseason. McCarthy, who tore his meniscus in the preseason, should be healthy enough to step in as the starter, but if Darnold wins a playoff game or two, a serious conversation regarding his future will need to be had.
For some, the conversation should have begun in Minnesota already. Colin Cowherd said on his podcast: How in the world do you let Sam Darnold walk? I mean, is there – I talked to an executive yesterday that said theyre too smart to let him go.
OConnell is reportedly frustrated with speculation suggesting Darnold will eventually run out of steam. The coach clearly has productive chemistry with Darnold, and is ready to move on with him next season should he make more sense – both financially and on the field – than McCarthy.
According to Sports Illustrated, OConnell is on board with sticking with Darnold in 2025. The Vikings could franchise tag Darnold for an immense amount of money, or sign him to a front-loaded lucrative contract that would see him compete with McCarthy over the offseason – and even start the year as the teams starting quarterback.
Darnold has endured a difficult run in the NFL. Three years after being selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft, the New York Jets traded Darnold to the Carolina Panthers, where he struggled before landing with the San Francisco 49ers behind Brock Purdy.
Now, Darnold appears to have found a home with the Vikings and OConnell. Darnold is set to hit free agency once again, and his form deserves a lucrative long-term deal – but the Vikings seemingly wont let him go without a fight, even if McCarthy is ready to go.
Darnolds 13-2 Vikings are next in action against the 11-4 Green Bay Packers in an NFC North showdown on Sunday, Dec. 29.
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