The Status of Sam Darnold: A Compromise on the Horizon
Matthew Stafford’s decision to compromise and stay with the Los Angeles Rams has set a precedent that league sources believe could influence Sam Darnold’s future with the Minnesota Vikings. Darnold, the quarterback who had a breakout season in 2024, may find himself in a less robust free agent market than anticipated. Multiple sources, including team executives and agents familiar with the quarterback market, suggest that Darnold’s best option might be a one- or two-year contract with the Vikings, ranging from $25 million to $30 million per year. This arrangement would provide both sides with the opportunity to reassess Darnold’s performance and the future of the team’s quarterback situation, potentially leading to a new deal or another shot at free agency in 2026.
Evaluating Darnold’s Market Options
The quarterback market in the NFL is often driven by supply and demand, and this offseason, the demand for good quarterbacks is high, but the supply is limited. However, the landing spots for Darnold might not be as attractive as initially thought. A prominent NFL agent with a history of negotiating big quarterback deals noted, "You’d think the supply and demand is on the side of the quarterbacks this offseason because there really aren’t enough good ones to go around, but the landing spots aren’t really very attractive, either." This observation is particularly relevant given Darnold’s shaky performance towards the end of the 2024 season, which has had a chilling effect on potential interest from other teams. Another strong year in Minnesota could help Darnold regain the traction he needs to secure a more lucrative long-term deal.
The Vikings: A Viable and Familiar Option
Despite the Vikings drafting J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 draft, Darnold’s return to Minnesota remains a viable option. McCarthy is currently in rehab from offseason surgeries to repair his meniscus, and while he has reportedly improved his weight, his availability for the offseason passing program and June minicamp is still a question mark. The Vikings have left the door open for a potential Darnold return, should his free agency options prove weak. Two league sources suggest different contract scenarios: one proposes a fully guaranteed one-year, $25 million deal, while another envisions a two-year, $60 million deal with some guaranteed money in the second year. This flexibility gives the Vikings the option to evaluate McCarthy’s development and Darnold’s performance without being locked into a long-term commitment.
The Seahawks: An Unexpected Opportunity
Two league sources speculate that the Las Vegas Raiders could pursue a trade for Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, having missed out on Matthew Stafford. This potential move could open up a quarterback slot in Seattle, making Darnold a viable option for the Seahawks. The Raiders’ reported soft interest in Darnold, combined with the fact that he is now an unencumbered free agent, could encourage teams like Seattle to reassess their quarterback room. The lack of clarity around Darnold’s market has kept his name in play, and the Seahawks might find him a solid, short-term solution as they continue to develop their offense and search for a long-term answer at the quarterback position.
The Raiders and Steelers: Mixed Signals
While the Raiders are reportedly focusing on Geno Smith, there is little clarity on their interest in Darnold. The Steelers, on the other hand, seem more inclined to offer Justin Fields a short-term quarterback deal. Although Fields might explore other options if he sees a clearer path to a starting job elsewhere, there is no consensus that Darnold is at the top of the Steelers’ list of quarterback priorities. The Steelers’ quarterback search is ongoing, and they are considering multiple options, including Aaron Rodgers, which could further complicate Darnold’s chances of landing a significant deal with the team.
The Giants: A Desperate Possibility
The Giants are another team where Darnold might find a home, especially if he is willing to return to the New York football scene. The Giants are known for their aggressive pursuit of a quarterback who can win games and energize the franchise. There is considerable noise around the Giants, with varying reports suggesting they could move to the No. 1 overall pick for Cam Ward, or pursue Russell Wilson as a fallback option. Despite these uncertainties, Darnold remains a potential target, and if the Giants can’t secure Ward or Wilson, he might get the franchise quarterback deal that was expected last season. The Giants’ desperation to find a reliable quarterback could work in Darnold’s favor, making this an intriguing possibility.
The Titans and Browns: Less Attractive Choices
The Titans and Browns present less attractive options for Darnold. The Titans, while they could consider Darnold, are not expected to pay top dollar for any veteran quarterback, with contract offers likely in the $25-$30 million range. Given the Vikings’ similar offer, Darnold might prefer to stay in a familiar environment where he has already shown success. The Browns, meanwhile, are salary cap-strapped, making it nearly impossible to sign Darnold even if they were interested. Instead, Cleveland is more likely to focus on selecting a rookie quarterback in the draft, further reducing Darnold’s options in the market.
The Jets: A Past Not Repeated
Finally, the Jets, Darnold’s former team, seem to be the least likely destination. After his previous tenure with the Jets, which ended poorly, Darnold is more likely to pursue other opportunities. The chance of him returning to the Jets is slim, and he might even be more inclined to pitch for the New York Mets than to don a Jets uniform again. The Jets are expected to focus on developing their young talent and exploring other free agent or draft options, rather than reuniting with Darnold.
In the end, Darnold’s best move might be to stay with the Vikings, where he can continue to build on his 2024 success and position himself for a more lucrative deal or a better free agency market in the future.
