The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation for next season could either remain unchanged at the top two spots, or undergo a significant transformation. Regardless of the outcome, either Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy is expected to stay on the roster.
However, oddsmakers believe Darnold is more likely to depart, especially with Matthew Stafford potentially leaving the Los Angeles Rams. With the Rams giving Stafford permission to explore other teams ahead of free agency, a move is looking increasingly likely. On February 20, SportsBettingAG projected Minnesota as the top destination for Stafford, with the Vikings’ odds at +300, just behind the New York Giants (+400) and the Las Vegas Raiders (+500).
If Stafford were to be traded, it could set up a scenario where the Vikings franchise tag Darnold and then trade him to Los Angeles. Stafford still has two years left on his $160 million contract, while Darnold could command a four-year, $160 million deal if he enters free agency.
Matthew StaffordDarnold, 10 years younger than Stafford, is coming off a strong season, but Stafford has had a more accomplished career, including multiple Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl victory. Darnold, once labeled a draft bust after being selected No. 3 overall by the New York Jets in 2018, had a breakout year with the Vikings in 2024.
Stafford’s career includes over 59,800 passing yards and 377 touchdowns, and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell previously served as Stafford’s offensive coordinator in Los Angeles when the Rams won the Super Bowl after the 2021 season. Bringing Stafford to Minnesota on a short-term deal in 2025 could provide him with one more chance to pursue a championship, while allowing McCarthy additional time to develop into the Vikings’ quarterback of the future.
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