Sam Darnold Faces Uncertain Future After Breakout Season
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is set to hit the free agency market after a stellar season in which he threw 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdown passes, with a 66.2% completion rate in 2024. Those are all career-highs.
Darnold ranks fifth in touchdown passes, eighth in passes thrown, and ninth in passes completed. With such an impressive track record, he appears to have a chance to set a new price for quarterbacks in the free agency market this coming offseason.
In his first public appearance since the season ended, Darnold admitted to thinking about his future but did not reveal his plans.
“I’ve thought about it a little bit, but I’m not going to share anything about what I’ve considered or what discussions have taken place behind closed doors,” Darnold told “SiriusXM NFL Radio” on Jan. 31. “There’s still a lot of things that are going to happen, even after the Super Bowl. So I’m going to continue to talk to my agent and figure out what the right path is.”
Darnold Enjoys Rebirth Under Kevin O’Connell
Darnold has had a resurgent year under head coach Kevin O’Connell. According to ESPN, Darnold’s 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdown passes ranked him fifth in the league. However, his decision-making has been questioned, especially in the Vikings’ final two losses of the season, when he posted a QBR of just 14.8.
With his arm strength and mobility, Darnold remains an attractive option on the market. However, his disappointing performance in the final games of the season has some teams taking a closer look.
Sam Darnold’s Free Agency Forecast
According to ESPN, Darnold could still get a deal similar to the three-year, $100 million deal Baker Mayfield signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants are two teams that could be interested in him.
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“Many executives believe Darnold will get a deal in the Mayfield range, around three years and $100 million with strong guarantees,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said. “The Raiders and Giants — two teams that don’t have the highest pick in the draft — could have to pay a big price for a quarterback.”
Still, there’s no guarantee that either team will make a bid for Darnold, and their interest could be just the beginning of a bidding war in the open market.
The Impact of the 2024 Offseason on Darnold’s Future
ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes Darnold may have fallen out of the Vikings’ long-term plans, especially with the addition of J.J. McCarthy.
The Athletic’s Jeff Howe also believes teams are facing a “dilemma” when it comes to finding a quarterback.
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“This year’s draft class has been so unimpressive that some NFL executives don’t believe there’s a quarterback who can truly lead a team long-term,” Howe wrote on January 31. “The free-agent market has no real stars. Sam Darnold was once considered the top pick, with a projected $40 million-plus contract. But his last two poor games of the season have left teams worried. Now, it’s unclear how he’ll fare this summer.”
Darnold Talks Breakout Season Mindset
Despite doubts about his future, Darnold has been named Fox Sports’ “Comeback Player of the Year” and the Sportswriters Association’s “Most Improved Player.”
When asked about his memorable season, he shared: “It’s just about taking it day by day. I know that sounds cliché, but that’s really been my mindset since we started in April.”
“You can easily get caught up in the outside stories, good or bad. But for me, it’s about keeping a clear head, working hard every week to win every game. That’s not just my mindset, it’s the mentality of the team throughout the season.”
Darnold will need to maintain that mindset as he enters the most important phase of his career, whether it’s with the Vikings or another team.
