The Minnesota Vikings saw a Pro Bowl-level performance from their quarterback last season, but the real question is whether he can maintain that level of play moving forward.
In free agency, the Seattle Seahawks signed the QB to a three-year, $100 million contract, a hefty investment to lure him away from Minnesota. The Vikings, however, weren’t willing to commit that much, especially with second-year QB and 2024 No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings.
However, Seattle’s contract is structured in a way that allows them to part ways with Darnold after just one year without facing much financial penalty. The Seahawks also selected former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in the third round of the draft, which doesn’t exactly show confidence in Darnold’s long-term future with the team.
While Sam Darnold will have some talented weapons at his disposal—like wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the NFL’s top slot producer last season, and newly acquired star Cooper Kupp—analysts are skeptical that the 27-year-old quarterback will hold onto his starting role beyond the 2025 season.
Darnold Shines in Minnesota, Earns Big Deal from Seattle
Darnold earned his deal with Seattle, including $52.5 million in guarantees and a $37.5 million signing bonus, by leading the Vikings to a 14-3 regular-season record last year, securing the top NFC wildcard playoff seed (No. 5 overall), despite losing the NFC North division title to the Detroit Lions in the final week.
Darnold finished the season with career highs in passing yards (4,319) and touchdown passes (35), along with only 12 interceptions.
There was no certainty that Darnold would win the starting job for the 2024 season when he signed a one-year contract with the Vikings. McCarthy, who had an equal shot at starting, was sidelined by a knee injury that required two surgeries, forcing him to miss his entire rookie season.
J.J. McCarthy Earns Vikings’ Confidence as 2025 Starter
At 22 years old, McCarthy is now expected to be the Vikings’ starting quarterback heading into training camp.
Minnesota also traded for Sam Howell from the Seahawks, and he’s expected to be McCarthy’s backup in 2025 as he enters his fourth pro season.
McCarthy has already impressed his teammates, who have praised his physical abilities and leadership after just a few offseason workouts.
Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson compared McCarthy’s throwing style to that of former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, noting his “insane arm talent” and the “juice” behind his throws, which are expected to have a big impact on McCarthy’s future in the NFL.
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