• Loading stock data...
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

Darnold Dilemma: Will QB Breakout Lead Vikings to Ditch Low-Cost Succession?

The Vikings are having one of the best seasons in franchise history, in large part thanks to quarterback Sam Darnold, who will be a free agent this offseason.

Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Vikings will attempt to win the NFC North on Sunday night to cap off what has been a dominant regular season behind a surprisingly resurgent Sam Darnold. And while Minnesota still has a playoff run ahead, the dilemma of how much it will cost to keep the 27-year-old quarterback is already starting to creep up.

Darnold is playing this season on a one-year, $10 million contract. That’s been great value, as Darnold is having a career year, throwing for 4153 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions through 16 games.

A win against the Lions would give the Vikings the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a 15-2 record, tying a franchise record for most wins in one season. That success will lead to some tough decisions for Minnesota’s front office, which drafted former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Vikings signed Darnold to compete with McCarthy, who tore his meniscus in the preseason. The former Jets draft pick’s deal was one of the cheaper quarterback contracts signed this past spring. Former Vikings signal caller Kirk Cousins got a four-year, $180 million deal from the Falcons, while the Buccaneers re-signed Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million contract. The Cowboys extended Dak Prescott with a $60 million per-year deal and the Packers gave Jordan Love a $55 million salary.

Given last year’s pricey quarterback moves, Darnold will likely be asking for a big raise this offseason. The Vikings will have the option of placing the franchise tag on Darnold, which Over The Cap projects to be just over $41 million for quarterbacks in 2025. That would be another one-year deal, while something more long-term would make the situation with McCarthy even more complicated.

McCarthy will have a salary cap hit of just under $5 million in the second season of his rookie contract. Minnesota receiver Justin Jefferson’s four-year, $140 million extension will also begin to kick in, as the star wideout will have a cap hit of roughly $15 million.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dawn Staley

Women’s March Madness Has a Portal Problem. Can GMs Solve It?

Final Four coaches are calling agents and players between practices.
hard-knocks-2020

NFL Expands ‘Hard Knocks’ Pool of Teams: Who’s Eligible for 2025?

The NFL is relaxing rules surrounding its reality TV show.
Mar 30, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson reacts after cutting the net for the Midwest Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

‘Overlooked’ Big 12 Has Quietly Succeeded During Men’s March Madness

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark says the conference has won big, too.

Featured Today

Dec 27, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) skates during warm ups before their game against the Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Center at San Jose

Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks Rookies Have Brought Good Vibes to a..

The rookie’s arrival has boosted spirits incongruously high inside the flagging franchise.
Mar 26, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
April 1, 2025

The Creator Behind the LeBron ‘Glazing’ Trend Sweeping TikTok

FOS spoke to TikTok user OkaySpade who made the original song.
Mar 22, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; McNeese State Cowboys manager Amir Khan before a second round men’s NCAA Tournament game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Amica Mutual Pavilion
April 1, 2025

Inside the 24-Hour NIL March Madness Deals

Some of the most viral partnerships come together overnight.
Seattle Kraken
April 1, 2025

Samantha Holloway Is Seattle’s NHL Present—and Hopeful NBA Future

Samantha Holloway is steering the Kraken and hoping to revive pro hoops.
Trinity Rodman

FIFA Says U.S., U.K. Are Sole Bidders for ’31, ’35 Women’s World..

The United States hasn’t hosted a women’s World Cup since 2003.
April 2, 2025

Money Talks, Dodgers Win: L.A.’s Historic Start Fuels Payroll Debate

A perfect 7–0 start combines with an unprecedented luxury-tax payroll.
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.
Caledonian Braves
April 1, 2025

The Scottish Soccer Club With 9,000 Owners—Including NBA and NWSL Players

The Braves’ popularity exploded in the last 10 months.
Sacramento A's
April 1, 2025

A’s Sacramento Debut Beset by Logistical Problems

Monday saw broadcast issues, a drone delay, and a tight press setup.
March 31, 2025

Jets Offer Most Employees Buyouts

The team offered nearly 70% of its workforce severance packages.
March 31, 2025

NFL’s QB Market Shake-Up Puts Steelers in Unfamiliar Territory

Conversations are continuing with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.