Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is set to enter free agency after a standout 2024 season where he posted career highs with 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns on a 66.2% completion rate. Darnold ranked fifth in the NFL for touchdown passes, eighth in attempts, and ninth in completions, making him a top target for teams in need of quarterback help. With such impressive stats, he’s poised to be one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the upcoming free-agent market.
In his first public statement since the season ended, Darnold acknowledged that he’s given thought to his future, but he declined to reveal any specifics about his plans. “I’ve put a little bit of thought into it, but I’m not going to share anything about what I’ve been thinking or the conversations I’ve had behind closed doors,” Darnold said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. While he remains tight-lipped about his next steps, it’s clear that he has options, particularly after his bounce-back year under Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell.
Despite his strong season, Darnold’s performance in the Vikings’ final two losses raised questions about his consistency. His decision-making under pressure, particularly late in games, left a bit to be desired, and his 14.8 QBR in those losses might cause some hesitation among potential suitors. However, his arm strength and mobility will make him an attractive option for teams seeking a starting quarterback.
Sam Darnold
Darnold is expected to see a significant contract increase from his one-year, $10 million deal, with reports suggesting he could land a deal in the range of three years and $100 million, similar to Baker Mayfield’s contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Potential landing spots for Darnold include the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants, both of whom may need a quarterback if they are unable to secure a top draft pick.
Although some still have doubts about Darnold’s long-term fit with teams like the Vikings, others are confident that he could still command a lucrative contract. ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes Darnold has likely priced himself out of Minnesota’s plans, especially with the team potentially looking at other options like J.J. McCarthy. Regardless, it only takes a few interested teams to spark a bidding war, and Darnold’s future remains very much up in the air.
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