The Minnesota Vikings are going to have to make a decision at quarterback this offseason.
Sam Darnold played extremely well on a one-year deal this season as he helped the Vikings win 14 games in the regular season.
Now, the franchise might have to pay up if it wants to keep him.
“Sam Darnold’s market is still expected to be over $30 million dollars per season, according to James Palmer. This could be due to a combination of many teams needing a quarterback [and] this year’s draft class being somewhat weak,” JPAFootball wrote on X.
??????: Sam Darnold’s market is still expected to be over $30 million dollars per season, according to @JamesPalmerTV
This could be due to a combination of many teams needing a quarterback + this year’s draft class being somewhat weak. pic.twitter.com/BwP2PWHNNR
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) January 17, 2025
Darnold threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, and posted a passer rating of 102.5, all the best of his career.
After not being able to make it work with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, Darnold learned a lot with the San Francisco 49ers before this breakout season.
If Minnesota decides it does not want to pay Darnold, it would then move on with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is coming off a torn meniscus and has no NFL experience other than some preseason snaps.
If the Vikings elect to go with an unproven quarterback returning from a season-ending injury, they might not be able to replicate the magic of this season and a semi-rebuild could be in place.
That is how significant this decision is for head coach Kevin O’Connell and the organization.
Fans will likely know more about this situation once the NFL’s free agency period begins during the offseason.
NEXT: Analyst Reveals The Likely Market For Sam Darnold This Offseason
