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Mike Fanelli dives into whether or not quarterback Sam Darnold will remain with the Minnesota Vikings or leave in free agency in the 2025 offseason.
The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs are preparing to play in Super Bowl LIX. Meanwhile, the other 30 NFL teams have turned their attention to preparing for next year.
While free agency is still several weeks away, the future of Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings quarterback room is the highlight of the offseason.
Will the Vikings re-sign Darnold, or will the veteran quarterback be the top free agent on the market? Let’s dive into it.
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Will The Minnesota Vikings Re-Sign Sam Darnold This Offseason?
Darnold had a career year in 2024. He finished the season as the QB9, averaging 18.1 fantasy points per game, turning into a league winner off the waiver wire for fantasy players. More importantly, the veteran was outstanding for Minnesota. Darnold set career highs in nearly every passing category.
The former USC star had 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, ranking fifth in the NFL in both metrics. Yet, Darnold is far from guaranteed to re-sign with the Vikings this offseason.
DARNOLD JETTAS 52-YARD TD 🚨
📺: #ATLvsMIN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/ZywUjIuoD4— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2024
Minnesota could offer the veteran a significant contract extension after his career year. However, Darnold struggled towards the end of the season, especially in the playoff loss. More importantly, the team has other options on the roster.
Who Else Could Be The Minnesota Vikings’ Week 1 Starting Quarterback?
Many have forgotten that Darnold was supposed to be a bridge-gap option for the Vikings after the team used a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on J.J. McCarthy. Unfortunately, the veteran was handed the starting role after the rookie suffered a torn meniscus in his knee during the preseason, ending his rookie year before it started.
BREAKING: Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy is out for the 2024 season after undergoing a full meniscus repair this morning. (via @RapSheet, @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/GgpgfiNYRX
— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2024
However, the former Michigan star should be ready for Minnesota’s Week 1 matchup. Furthermore, the team added Daniel Jones during the season. After reviving Darnold’s career, don’t be surprised if head coach Kevin O’Connell can do similarly with Jones. Therefore, the Vikings will have no shortage of starting options next season if Darnold leaves in free agency.
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