• Loading stock data...
Monday, February 10, 2025

Darnold Dilemma Deepens: Vikings Face Questions After Wild-Card Loss

After leading the team to a 14–3 record this season, he sputtered in a wild-card loss to the Rams.

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is sacked by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (4) during the first half in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

A Cinderella season for the Vikings flipped on its head once the calendar turned to 2025. 

First, Minnesota relinquished the NFC’s top seed after a loss to the Lions in last week’s regular-season finale. Then in the wild-card round Monday, the Vikings were blown out by the Rams in Arizona. 

Minnesota scored just nine points in each of the last two weeks, putting the spotlight on the performance of quarterback Sam Darnold—who signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings in March—and his future as the team’s signal-caller. Over the two-game stretch, Darnold was 43-for-81, threw just one touchdown, and was sacked 11 times. 

Darnold was not expected to be a long-term solution after the Vikings drafted Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 pick a month later. But after McCarthy tore his meniscus in August, Darnold had a career year, finishing top five in the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns. 

Head coach Kevin O’Connell said after Monday’s game that it’s important the team consider “Sam’s body of work” when deciding on his future.

Darnold Dilemma

With McCarthy waiting in the wings, the Vikings have several options with Darnold this offseason.

  • A long-term deal: The team could believe the 27-year-old has room to grow. Spotrac projects Darnold as a “mid-range” starting quarterback following this year—which could mean a deal in the four-year, $160 million range. The Vikings could then trade McCarthy, who could potentially command a first-round return in the open market given this year’s weak quarterback draft class.
  • Franchise tag: Minnesota could test the waters by franchise tagging Darnold, which would mean a one-year, guaranteed deal of about $41.4 million, according to Over The Cap. That would be more than twice as much as Darnold has made in any season. The Vikings could then try to trade Darnold, but if they choose to keep him, the team would remain in a state of limbo at the league’s most important position. 
  • Let him walk: Minnesota could let Darnold go and hand the keys to McCarthy. The question is whether the Vikings believe McCarthy is ready to take over coming off a serious knee injury—especially because the team has the ancillary pieces to compete now.

Justin Jefferson, the team’s biggest star, who last year signed the largest contract of any wide receiver (four years, $140 million), kept a neutral opinion on the team’s future quarterback.

“It’s not my job to say who is going to be the quarterback or who do I want to be the quarterback,” Jefferson said Monday. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Fox Sports NFL Sunday analyst Michael Strahan (left) and Fox Sports NFL Sunday analyst Jimmie Johnson (right) react before Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.

Jimmy Johnson Stops Short of Retirement After Fox Sports Tribute

Fox ran a tribute to Jimmy Johnson’s career during the Super Bowl pregame.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Recording artist SZA and recording artist Kendrick Lamar perform during halftime Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.

Nike’s Huge Super Bowl: From Jalen Hurts to Kendrick and Serena

Kendrick Lamar wore Nikes in the halftime show; Serena Williams wore Converse.
Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; The 2024 NFL London Games, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears logo on the facade at an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Do NFL Players Want an International Super Bowl?

Players told Front Office Sports where it should be held.

Eagles Set to Host 2025 NFL Kickoff: Who Will Be Their Opponent?

Speculation begins on Philadelphia’s opponent for the 2025 kickoff game.

Featured Today

Brady and Mahomes

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
Doncic protest

Mavs Owner Patrick Dumont Defends Luka Trade While Mark Cuban Mocks It

Dumont insisted that his team won’t move to Las Vegas.
February 9, 2025

Chiefs Face Uncertain Stadium Future After Three-Peat Denied

The franchise wants public funding to help renovate or build a new stadium.
February 10, 2025

Chiefs to Make $17M Travis Kelce Decision After Super Bowl Loss

Kelce, 35, is the NFL’s highest-paid tight end.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
February 9, 2025

Eagles Vanquish Chiefs in Super Bowl, Highlight Salary-Cap Magic

Philadelphia won its second Super Bowl Sunday night.
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid (left) with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after defeating the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Chiefs Franchise Reversed Its Fortunes

A once-downtrodden franchise is now leading the NFL in historic fashion.
Sep 17, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears former player Brian Urlacher is honored with a Ring of Excellence from Chicago Bears owner Virginia Halas McCaskey during half time of a game between the Chicago Bears and the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field.
February 6, 2025

Bears Owner Virginia Halas McCaskey Dies at 102

McCaskey was the oldest owner in North American sports before she died.
Feb 4, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is introduced at UCLA Health Training Center.
February 6, 2025

With Luka Trade, Lakers Are Locked In As NBA Ratings Star

The Lakers are built to be a staple for the NBA’s new media-rights deal.