With Sam Darnold likely departing in free agency next month, the Vikings will need to bring in a veteran quarterback to pair with J.J. McCarthy for the 2025 season. This QB should be a reliable backup capable of stepping in early in the year if McCarthy isn’t quite ready—physically or mentally—for Week 1. Ideally, it would be someone with starting experience who fits well into Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system.
The Vikings are expected to aim higher than Nick Mullens for this role. One logical option is Daniel Jones, who spent the final six weeks of last season on the Vikings’ practice squad. Another strong candidate? Former 49ers starter Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo began his career as Tom Brady’s backup in New England before being traded to the 49ers in 2017. He signed a lucrative deal the following year and, when healthy, served as San Francisco’s starter for much of the next five seasons. Despite battling injuries, Garoppolo led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019 and an NFC Championship Game in 2021. After Brock Purdy’s rise in San Francisco, Garoppolo signed with the Raiders in 2023 but struggled, was benched, and eventually released. He then joined the Rams as Matthew Stafford’s backup.
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah worked with Garoppolo in San Francisco from 2017 to 2019, creating a natural connection. While O’Connell’s time with the 49ers predated Garoppolo’s arrival, the two faced off in the NFC West when O’Connell was with the Rams. Additionally, Garoppolo spent last year under Sean McVay, O’Connell’s former mentor, further strengthening the ties.
Garoppolo earned just over $3 million with the Rams last year, and a similar deal in 2025 could make sense for the Vikings. While his 2023 season with the Raiders was underwhelming, he performed well in his final year with the 49ers. In his lone start for the Rams—a low-stakes Week 18 game against the Seahawks—he threw for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception on 27-of-41 passing. Though Garoppolo has struggled with turnovers and may no longer be a full-time starter, he’s not completely past his prime. He’s a seasoned QB who can read defenses and deliver accurate throws from clean pockets.
In a recent CBS Sports article predicting the 2025 QB carousel, Cody Benjamin linked Garoppolo to the Vikings, suggesting he could serve as an affordable bridge until McCarthy is ready. Benjamin also speculated that Darnold might return to the Jets (a move he admitted was uncertain), Jones could land with the Rams, and Kirk Cousins might reunite with Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland.
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