Sam Darnold’s inconsistent ending shouldn’t overshadow his remarkable season or affect his future.
Multiple NFL teams are in search of a franchise quarterback, and Darnold demonstrated he has the potential to be that player in Minnesota, achieving the distinction of being the first quarterback to notch 14 victories in his inaugural season with a team. He is poised to become a desirable free agent unless the Vikings apply a franchise tag to him.
Although he faced difficulties in Minnesota’s last two games, including a 27-9 defeat against the Rams in a wild-card playoff, Darnold is expected to have numerous opportunities in March if he enters the open market.
Initially, the Vikings need to determine whether to retain Darnold or allocate their funds to enhance the team surrounding J.J. McCarthy, who missed his rookie year due to a knee injury.
“We witnessed Sam showcase some amazing football for our team, securing numerous significant victories,” general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah informed reporters on Thursday. “There were numerous matches where he was a player who caused the victory.” You must also consider that in regard to the total of all (the games). I don’t want to provide the typical response, but that truly is the case. … `What will the team surrounding him resemble? (How) does this part align with our overall championship strategy? We’ll perform those drills as we did in the previous offseason.
Darnold, selected by the New York Jets as the third overall pick in 2018, finally fulfilled expectations in his seventh season with his fourth team. Darnold, who signed a one-year contract worth $10 million to serve as a bridge quarterback, took over as the starter after McCarthy was injured during training camp.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold addresses the press after an NFL matchup against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, January 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Under the mentorship of coach Kevin O’Connell, Darnold, 27, excelled.
He passed for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 102.5.
Darnold also became the fourth player in NFL history to have 12 games with multiple touchdown passes and a passer rating of at least 100 in a season, alongside Aaron Rodgers (14), Patrick Mahomes (13), and Matt Ryan (12).
However, Darnold, selected for the Pro Bowl, experienced two of his poorest performances consecutively when Minnesota required him the most.
The Vikings could have secured the NFC’s top seed but were defeated 31-9 by Detroit in Week 18. They finished as the fifth seed and were overwhelmed by the Rams, who sacked Darnold nine times.
This prompted some analysts to wonder about Darnold’s future and if two poor performances might have affected his chances for a larger contract. The estimated franchise tag for quarterbacks stands at $41.3 million, and Darnold is anticipated to receive a multiyear contract with an average yearly salary of no less than $40 million.
“Sam has every reason to be proud of the season he assembled from beginning to end,” O’Connell stated. “He responded to the bell consistently each day with his readiness.” Honestly, I believe he gained significant insight into what he can achieve in this league. “I believe he demonstrated to the entire league that he is capable of performing at a winning level as a quarterback.”
Here are five teams apart from the Vikings that would suit Darnold:
Following a 10-3 start, they suffered five consecutive losses. Russell Wilson (6-6) and Justin Fields (4-2) do not have contracts for the upcoming season. Darnold might be seen as a long-term fix for a franchise that has been looking for a solution since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.
Darnold’s three years with the Jets were dreadful. However, he had two coaches, two offensive coordinators, and minimal support. The Giants hold the third selection in the draft, meaning they might lose out on one of the top two quarterbacks if Sheduer Sanders and Cam Ward are taken. If that’s the case, they will require a QB, and Darnold is already familiar with what it entails to play in the New York region.
GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll retained their positions following a 3-14 season, but they must achieve wins now, and Darnold has demonstrated his abilities.
Tom Brady’s new team requires a coach and a quarterback. Brady, having acquired a minority share in the Raiders, significantly influences the team’s direction. He frequently mentions that new quarterbacks require time to grow and shouldn’t begin immediately. With the No. 7 selection, Las Vegas won’t have a chance at one of the elite QBs regardless. Darnold is sensible based on who the coach is and how the offensive scheme will appear.
Deshaun Watson re-aggravated his Achilles, paving the way for the Browns to part ways with one of the most regretful signings in league history. Watson’s time has been a failure, yet he is still owed a large sum of money. Cleveland holds the second overall pick and will have the chance to select a quarterback. Darnold may prefer joining a team where he can be the starter without worrying about competition. However, the Browns might opt to trade the pick, gather draft resources, and sign a young quarterback like Darnold, teaming him up with a coach who has had success with Baker Mayfield and Joe Flacco.
The urgency to succeed in Indianapolis is high. Anthony Richardson has started just 15 games over two seasons, achieving a record of 8-7. It’s premature to abandon a No. 4 overall selection, but the Colts need to find a way to secure victories now. Darnold might collaborate with coach Shane Steichen to become that enhancement.
