The Minnesota Vikings currently have three strong quarterback candidates for the top two spots on the roster next season, though a fourth option has recently emerged as a possibility. Sam Darnold, who started all season, led the team to a 14-3 record and a playoff berth. J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, missed his rookie year due to a knee injury.
Meanwhile, former New York Giants starter Daniel Jones, cut mid-season, has now chosen Minnesota as his next destination. There’s a real chance that both Darnold and Jones could be playing elsewhere in 2025, whether through free agency or trade, leaving the Vikings with an unproven McCarthy and no legitimate backup if McCarthy struggles.
On January 22, Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report suggested the Vikings could look to add former Chicago Bears quarterback and current Pittsburgh Steelers starter Justin Fields in free agency.
”
Justin Fields
Gagnon noted that while Fields might not be a traditional elite quarterback, he could be a dynamic offensive weapon in the right system, like the Vikings. Fields, who finished the final year of his four-year, $19 million rookie contract in 2024, went 4-2 as the Steelers’ starter before being replaced by Russell Wilson.
Over his career, Fields has accumulated nearly 7,800 passing yards, 45 touchdowns, 31 interceptions, and 2,509 rushing yards with 19 rushing touchdowns. Spotrac estimates Fields’ market value at around $9 million for a one-year deal, which would be significantly more affordable for Minnesota than a potential long-term extension for Darnold.
Leave a Reply