Former NFLer Warns Vikings about Sam Darnold Move

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

Most Minnesota Vikings fans have commonly accepted that quarterback Sam Darnold will probably play for a new team in 2025.

Former NFLer Warns Vikings about Sam Darnold Move

But that’s a little risky, says ESPN’s Ryan Clark, who played in the NFL for 13 seasons and won a Super Bowl in 2008.

Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports.

Darnold responded by producing a year worthy of backdoor MVP consideration, compiling 4,319 passing yards, 36 total touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. The Vikings were straight cruising with Darnold in charge, boasting a 14-2 record through 16 games.

But then the bottom fell out.

Darnold arrived at Ford Field in Week 18 — and played horribly. Absolutely dreadful stuff. Minnesota lost its claim to the NFC North and all homefield advantage in the playoffs, correspondingly plopped on the road for a Wildcard game against the Los Angeles Rams in Round 1 of the postseason.

Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

Once again, with the lights brightest, Darnold flopped. The Vikings constructed a one-and-done playoff showing after 14 wins in the regular season.

At that moment, Vikings fans decided McCarthy represented the best avenue for the future because — what if they re-signed Darnold and he capitulated in the postseason one year later? Everyone had been warned in 2024.

Clark’s theory — retaining Darnold for insurance — would be peachy if Darnold didn’t cost $40 million per year. Some team will pay the veteran passer between $30-$45 million, and for the Vikings, that’s just too rich, especially after ending the Kirk Cousins era, which lasted six seasons.

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

If Darnold were available for $10 million again, re-upping with him would be wise. But his price tag could quadruple this go-round.

McCarthy’s meniscus recovery has encountered no setbacks, and the 22-year-old is trending to be ready for spring activities.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL. 

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.