Vikings’ Quarterback Dilemma: Sam Darnold’s Future Uncertain Amid McCarthy’s Return
The Minnesota Vikings are at a crossroads when it comes to their quarterback situation, and the decision will shape their path for the 2025 NFL season. After a 14-3 campaign, head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have some big calls to make.
Darnold’s Rise and Free Agency Uncertainty
Sam Darnold, a Comeback Player of the Year finalist, was a revelation in 2024, posting career-best numbers after signing a one-year, $10 million deal. He threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, completing 66.2% of his passes while leading the Vikings to one win shy of the NFC’s No. 1 seed. But his performances in the wild-card round loss raised doubts about his long-term viability.
Now, as free agency looms, Darnold’s market is heating up. O’Connell had initially fueled speculation by stating that Darnold would be a “huge part” of the team’s Super Bowl aspirations, but later clarified his stance.
“I don’t necessarily think that was 100% accurate,” O’Connell said on a conference call, per Ben Goessling of The Star Tribune. “It was in the spirit of answering a question about Sam’s season and what he was able to do.”
While O’Connell praised Darnold’s growth, he acknowledged the reality of free agency: “He’s earned the right to be a free agent, but we will continue to have ongoing dialogue with him and his representation.”
J.J. McCarthy’s Potential Return
Lurking in the background is J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings’ redshirt first-round rookie, who missed the season due to a knee injury suffered in the preseason. McCarthy, now fully healthy, isn’t expecting to be handed the starting role, but he is eager for a “fair opportunity” to compete in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Vikings still have Daniel Jones, the former Giants first-round pick, who ended the season on Minnesota’s active roster after weeks on the practice squad.
O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah Weigh Options
O’Connell, fresh off signing a multiyear extension, remains focused on building the best possible team for 2025. He doesn’t see the quarterback situation as a problem but rather a good challenge.
“You don’t want to call them problems. They are good things to have as an organization,” O’Connell said on GMFB: OT. “Of course, you’d love to have all your guys back, but they’ve played so well that they may want to be a quarterback for another team in this league.”
Ultimately, the decision on who starts in 2025 remains undecided. With free agency approaching and McCarthy eager to prove himself, the Vikings’ quarterback battle will be one of the biggest storylines heading into the new season.
