Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold may have hurt his financial prospects with his performances over the last two games of the season, but he’s still poised for a lucrative payday. While his future in Minnesota remains uncertain, Darnold’s 2024 campaign has ensured he’ll be in high demand as free agency approaches in mid-March, provided the Vikings don’t extend him beforehand. Regardless of where he ends up, Darnold is set to command a significantly higher salary than he’s earned in his seven-year NFL career.
Darnold’s Free Agency Prospects and Market Value
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Darnold is the ninth-best free agent available heading into the offseason and is projected to sign a three-year, $123.75 million deal, averaging $41.25 million annually with $70 million fully guaranteed. PFF analysts anticipate debates over whether Darnold can evolve beyond the role of a “bridge quarterback” will dominate offseason discussions.
“While his raw stats look impressive … his performance in key areas is more mixed, with 31 big-time throws balanced by 21 turnover-worthy plays,” PFF noted.
Despite these critiques, Darnold’s market value remains strong. His impressive numbers from the 2024 season—over 4,300 passing yards and 35 touchdowns—position him as a prime candidate for quarterback-needy franchises. Additionally, a relatively weak draft class and a limited pool of free-agent quarterbacks further bolster Darnold’s appeal.
Potential Suitors for Darnold
This offseason, quarterback-needy teams will likely line up to secure Darnold’s services. The Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, holding the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the draft, are expected to select quarterbacks. However, other teams, such as the New York Giants (No. 3 pick), Las Vegas Raiders (No. 6), and New York Jets (No. 7), could explore Darnold as an option depending on how their offseason plans unfold.
Even teams further down the draft order, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 21 pick), might consider Darnold given his free agency status and performance potential. Among free-agent quarterbacks, Darnold ranks significantly higher than his competition, including Justin Fields, who PFF ranked at No. 19 overall.
The Vikings’ Dilemma
Darnold’s resurgence in Minnesota is a testament to the Vikings’ ability to rejuvenate struggling quarterbacks. After six underwhelming seasons with three different teams, Darnold flourished under the guidance of head coach Kevin O’Connell in 2024. However, his success comes with a tough decision for the Vikings’ front office.
The team originally signed Darnold to a one-year deal as a bridge quarterback while grooming rookie J.J. McCarthy, whom they selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. When McCarthy suffered a preseason knee injury, Darnold stepped up, leading the team to 14 regular-season victories and a career-best year.
The Vikings now face a conundrum: retain Darnold at a hefty price or pivot back to McCarthy, who remains on a cost-effective rookie deal through 2028, with a team option for that season. McCarthy, only 22 years old, represents the long-term future of the franchise, while Darnold, five years older, would be a significantly more expensive commitment.
Alternate Paths for Minnesota
Minnesota could pursue a more budget-friendly option, such as re-signing Daniel Jones. Jones, who joined the Vikings mid-season after being released by the Giants, could compete with McCarthy or serve as his backup on a low-cost, one-year “prove-it” deal.
Given Darnold’s market value and the Vikings’ investment in McCarthy, it seems increasingly likely that Darnold will secure a lucrative deal elsewhere. With numerous QB-needy teams in the mix, Darnold’s days in Minnesota may be numbered, marking the end of a short but productive stint with the Vikings.
Ultimately, whether it’s in Minnesota or with a new team, Sam Darnold’s impressive 2024 campaign has ensured his NFL journey is far from over—and his next contract will reflect just how far he’s come.
BREAKING: Vikings QB Sam Darnold Projected to Blockbuster Eyebrow-Raising Contract..
