Sam Darnold’s Redemption Arc Crumbles: What’s Next for the Vikings QB?
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was on the verge of completing one of the NFL’s greatest comeback stories—until it all unraveled in two catastrophic games. With the Vikings sitting at 14-3 and vying for the NFC’s top seed, Darnold and his team stumbled in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions and were subsequently dismantled by the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round. Now, Minnesota faces a pivotal decision about its quarterback future.
Darnold’s 2024 season started with promise after stepping in for J.J. McCarthy, who suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason. The veteran QB delivered the best statistical season of his career, completing 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions. His performance had the Vikings looking like legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
However, as the stakes rose, Darnold’s composure faltered. In the playoff loss to the Rams, Darnold took a staggering nine sacks, effectively neutralizing any chance the Vikings had to advance. This collapse, coupled with his struggles in the season finale, has left Minnesota questioning whether he’s their long-term answer.
Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner weighed in on the situation, offering a balanced perspective. “If you feel like you have enough in J.J. McCarthy, you move on. But if you’re not sure, I think it’s hard to let a guy that did that well out of the building,” Warner said during an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show.
Darnold’s Free Agency Market Dwindles
Before his late-season meltdown, Darnold appeared poised to command a massive free agency deal, potentially worth upwards of $150 million. Now, his value has plummeted. Analysts project that he’ll likely land a deal comparable to mid-tier quarterbacks like Geno Smith or Baker Mayfield.
One option for the Vikings is to use the franchise tag on Darnold. While this would pay him approximately $40 million for the 2025 season, it would also allow Minnesota to hedge its bets as McCarthy recovers from injury and develops further. This scenario provides insurance but falls far short of the lucrative, long-term contract Darnold once seemed destined for.
What’s Next for the Vikings?
Minnesota’s decision will shape their immediate and long-term future. They must weigh Darnold’s impressive regular-season performance against his inability to deliver in critical moments. With McCarthy, the 2024 10th overall pick, waiting in the wings, the franchise might decide to focus on grooming their young talent.
Regardless of what happens, Darnold’s late-season skid has drastically altered his career trajectory. While he’s likely to start somewhere in 2025, the opportunity to secure life-changing, generational wealth may have slipped through his fingers.
