BREAKING: Sam Darnold Gets Bad Vikings News Ahead of Free Agency
Sam Darnold’s best option for his next NFL destination still appears to be Minnesota.
After signing a one-year deal last March, the 27-year-old quarterback had a career resurgence with the Vikings, throwing for a personal-best 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns while leading the team to 14 wins—twice his previous season-high.
Darnold is now positioned to secure a lucrative multi-year contract in free agency, and if given the choice, he’d prefer to remain in Minnesota. However, the Vikings have a different approach.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on February 21, while Minnesota appreciated Darnold’s presence, they aren’t willing to sacrifice their long-term future to retain him.
“I’m told the Minnesota Vikings are open to doing a deal with Sam Darnold,” Fowler said on SportsCenter. “People around the league believe the franchise tag isn’t the likeliest option for Minnesota—it’s a steep price at around $40 million. The Vikings’ stance seems to be that they won’t mortgage the future for Darnold.
“If he receives a massive offer elsewhere, they likely won’t match it. But they are certainly open to bringing him back and enjoyed having him.”
The Vikings signaled their stance by pushing back void dates on Aaron Jones and Byron Murphy Jr.’s contracts. Murphy was a potential franchise tag candidate, but with the delay, he is now ineligible, suggesting a mutual interest in negotiating a deal before free agency begins on March 12.
No such agreement was reached with Darnold.
Now, the decision is his—pursue a bigger payday elsewhere or take a lesser deal to stay in one of the league’s most favorable quarterback situations.
With 24 pending free agents and multiple roster needs, Minnesota’s $40 million franchise tag price is unrealistic for their offseason plans.
Sam Darnold Walking the Path Kirk Cousins Carved
Sam Darnold’s free agency situation is unfolding much like that of his predecessor, Kirk Cousins, a year ago.
Like Cousins, Darnold is the top quarterback available in free agency.
Like Cousins, he has earned praise from Vikings coaches and teammates who would like to see him return.
Like Cousins, his return is only possible if the terms align with the team’s long-term roster-building strategy.
An offer is likely on the table, but Darnold is waiting to gauge his market value in free agency. His representatives should have a clearer picture after the NFL Scouting Combine concludes on March 2.
At that point, Darnold’s camp is expected to bring a counteroffer to the Vikings. Minnesota will then have 10 days to decide whether to meet his demands or let him walk.
And for now—just like with Cousins—the Vikings aren’t willing to compromise to meet Darnold’s contract expectations.
J.J. McCarthy Makes Vikings’ Decision Easy
Minnesota still needs a veteran presence in case J.J. McCarthy, who underwent meniscus surgery in August, isn’t ready to start Week 1.
Darnold would be the ideal option due to his familiarity with the system and his previous willingness to take on that role. However, circumstances have changed, and the Vikings are now targeting a veteran closer to the $10 million deal Darnold signed last year—not the $40 million per year he’s expected to command in free agency.
Daniel Jones is a potential fit after his stock dropped following his release from the New York Giants. The Vikings signed him for the remainder of the 2024 season to evaluate his potential fit with the team.
Other possible options include Justin Fields, Jacoby Brissett, and Jameis Winston. Minnesota could also consider bringing back Nick Mullens, who is set to hit free agency.