Analyst Lays Out Way for Vikings to Keep Sam Darnold in 2025

At the start of the 2024 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings had a clear plan: groom rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy as the franchise’s quarterback of the future. Despite signing Sam Darnold in free agency, the expectation was that McCarthy would eventually take the reins. However, an unexpected twist has led to questions about whether Darnold, not McCarthy, might be the team’s quarterback moving forward.

The Vikings initially named Darnold as their starting quarterback heading into the preseason. But before a true competition could unfold, McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury, leaving Darnold as the de facto QB1. Fast forward to December, and Darnold has exceeded expectations, leading the Vikings to a remarkable 12-2 record, making them one of the NFL’s biggest surprises this year.

“I’m really stuck in the moment. I think that’s the best way to approach that, to just be where my feet are,” Darnold told ESPN. His focus on the present has translated into on-field success, making a strong case for his return in 2025.

Can the Vikings Afford to Keep Darnold?

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, it’s entirely plausible that Minnesota retains Darnold for another season, potentially giving McCarthy a second “redshirt year” to recover and develop. Breer draws parallels to the 2005 San Diego Chargers, who used the franchise tag to keep Drew Brees for an additional year after drafting Philip Rivers.

The Vikings, projected to have over $70 million in cap space next year, are financially capable of re-signing Darnold. However, using the franchise tag on him would cost north of $40 million—a significant commitment for a player initially seen as a short-term solution.

The decision to keep Darnold will depend heavily on how the season ends and the dynamics of free agency. Darnold’s stellar performance could make him one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the market this March. If other teams with quarterback needs and compatible systems make him an offer, it could complicate Minnesota’s plans.

Should the Vikings choose to move forward with Darnold, they’ll also need to navigate their relationship with McCarthy. The team drafted McCarthy with the long-term in mind, and keeping Darnold would mean delaying his ascension to the starting role. Given McCarthy’s injury and Darnold’s current success, the Vikings could justify the move, but it would require careful handling to ensure McCarthy’s development and confidence aren’t hindered.

There’s also a chance that Darnold tests free agency and leaves Minnesota. In such a case, the Vikings might look to elevate practice squad quarterback Jones, who has reportedly drawn interest from other teams but chose to stay in Minnesota.

For now, the Vikings remain focused on finishing the 2024 season strong. With three regular-season games and the postseason ahead, much will depend on how Darnold performs in those critical matchups. The team’s decisions for 2025 will hinge on how they evaluate his play and how free agency unfolds.

The Vikings face a tough but intriguing choice. Do they invest in Darnold, whose play has turned heads, or stay the course with their original plan for McCarthy? Either way, the coming months will be pivotal in shaping the future of the franchise.