The Minnesota Vikings could be looking for a new quarterback in 2025. Sam Darnold had a standout season last year, leading the team to a 14-3 record. However, reports suggest that the Vikings will not use the franchise tag on him, which means he could become a free agent on March 12.
Darnold, 27, enjoyed a career year, finishing fifth in the league with 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdown passes. He joined the Vikings on a one-year deal after they drafted J.J. McCarthy as their future quarterback. Darnold stepped up when McCarthy injured his knee in the preseason, securing the starting position.
While the Vikings could have kept Darnold by using the franchise tag, it would have cost them $40.2 million. Since they only paid him $10 million last season, that’s a hefty price increase. Though the team is looking to re-sign him, they are unlikely to use the franchise tag in doing so.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned earlier that Darnold has earned the right to explore free agency. He expressed excitement about McCarthy’s recovery and hinted that the team could let Darnold go.
Although Darnold started strong, he struggled in the last two games of the season, combining for just 18 points while averaging 205.5 passing yards, with one touchdown and one interception. This decline could lead the Vikings to move on from him. If he departs, McCarthy is set to finally make his NFL debut after missing the entire 2024 season due to injury.
If Darnold exits Minnesota, teams like the Giants and Raiders may be eager to sign him. He has a chance to continue his career momentum after a rough start with the New York Jets, where he went 21-35 before finding success with the Vikings. Fans will be watching closely to see what decision Darnold makes as free agency approaches.
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