The Minnesota Vikings could face significant competition for quarterback Sam Darnold if he hits unrestricted free agency next month. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Las Vegas Raiders are poised to make a serious push for Darnold if he doesn’t re-sign with Minnesota before then.
“The one team I would watch with Sam Darnold moving forward would be the Las Vegas Raiders,” Schefter said on February 9, ahead of the Super Bowl. “I think at some point in time, they’re likely to have some interest in trying to bring Sam Darnold to Las Vegas.”
The Vikings’ dilemma with Darnold revolves around financial considerations. Minnesota used the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select J.J. McCarthy, who represents the franchise’s potential long-term answer at quarterback. McCarthy’s four-year, $22 million rookie deal, which includes a fifth-year team option, offers the Vikings the chance to build around a cost-effective quarterback—a key ingredient for Super Bowl contention in today’s NFL. However, McCarthy missed his entire rookie season after suffering a knee injury in August, leaving his on-field potential untested in meaningful games.
Darnold, meanwhile, is projected to command up to $160 million on the open market, with an annual value exceeding $40 million. While the Vikings have over $61 million in salary cap space, committing such a large sum to Darnold would limit their ability to address other critical needs, such as a depleted secondary and a struggling interior offensive line.
One alternative for Minnesota would be to trade McCarthy, potentially fetching a first-round pick and additional draft assets. This would alleviate some financial pressure and allow the team to rebuild around Darnold. However, it would also mean sacrificing a young, high-ceiling quarterback on an affordable contract—a risky move given McCarthy’s untapped potential.
Darnold, 27, had a strong 2024 season under head coach Kevin O’Connell, throwing for over 4,300 yards and 35 touchdowns. However, his performance faltered in crucial moments, including a Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions that cost the Vikings the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a disappointing Wild Card playoff exit.
A third option for Minnesota is to use the franchise tag (approximately $40 million) to retain Darnold for 2025. This would allow the Vikings to keep both Darnold and McCarthy on the roster, creating competition or enabling a potential trade of Darnold to a team like the Raiders for draft compensation.
As free agency approaches, the Vikings must weigh their options carefully, balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term roster building. Darnold’s future—whether in Minnesota, Las Vegas, or elsewhere—will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason.
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