After one surprising season with the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Sam Darnold will be heading to the Seattle Seahawks. Darnold, who signed with the Vikings following the 2023 season, agreed to a hefty three-year deal worth $100.5 million with $55 million guaranteed on March 10, 2025, according to multiple reports.
Darnold had quite the year with the Vikings, finishing the 2024 season with impressive statistics. He led the team to a remarkable 14-3 record, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and only 12 interceptions. His performance earned him the title of Pro Bowl selection and even placed him tenth overall in MVP voting, marking the best season of his career.
Despite Darnold's success, the Vikings found themselves facing tough decisions as they evaluated their roster. The season wrapped up with two disappointing losses: one to the Detroit Lions, where they had anticipated securing the NFC's No. 1 seed, and another to the Los Angeles Rams during the wild-card round of the playoffs. Darnold’s struggles during these key games prompted speculation about his future with the team.
J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings' 2024 first-round pick, is now under consideration to assume the starting quarterback role. McCarthy had to sit out his rookie season due to a knee injury but is reportedly recovering well and is set to rejoin on-field workouts. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has expressed confidence in McCarthy’s potential to lead the team moving forward.
“We’re really confident in him,” said Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the Vikings general manager, about McCarthy. “His work ethic and preparation are top-notch.” The 22-year-old McCarthy is seen as instrumental to the Vikings' future plans, leading some experts to suggest the team will now search for a backup or even competition for McCarthy rather than securing another star quarterback.
Reports indicate the Vikings are eyeing possible signings to beef up their quarterback depth, especially after the loss of backup Nick Mullens, who is also set to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. With Darnold now officially departing, the Vikings seem determined to invest their resources and trust in the potential of their young quarterback.
During Darnold's tenure with the Vikings, he significantly improved under O’Connell’s system, transitioning from what many considered to be a draft bust to one of the league's top playmakers. He was previously drafted third overall by the New York Jets and spent time with the Carolina Panthers before landing with the Vikings.
Looking at Seattle, Darnold joins the Seahawks as they search for stability behind center after the trade of veteran quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. While Darnold will no longer be throwing to well-known targets like Tyler Lockett, who was released, or DK Metcalf, who was traded, Seattle does have up-and-coming stars like Jaxon Smith-Njigba ready to step up.
His reunion with Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who coached him during his time with the San Francisco 49ers, could prove beneficial as he transitions to his new team. Kubiak understands Darnold's playing style and strengths from their past collaboration, setting the stage for potentially more success.
The future looks bright for both Darnold and the Vikings. While fans are excited about Darnold’s potential with the Seahawks, many are also eager to see how McCarthy flourishes with his first chance as a primary starter. Minnesota will approach the upcoming NFL draft and free agency period with the intent of bolstering their roster, particularly their secondary, as they prepare for the new season.
The Vikings have successfully structured their salary cap, entering the offseason with approximately $59 million available to spend. They will make strategic cuts and additions to strengthen their squad; key players like cornerbacks Harrison Smith, Shaquill Griffin, and Camryn Bynum are currently on the free-agent market, which creates both challenges and opportunities.
This offseason is pivotal for the Vikings as they forge their identity around McCarthy, building upon their past successes and learning from their recent setbacks. The Vikings approach the upcoming season with hope and excitement for the future, balancing the ambitions carried over from their promising performance last season against the realities of free agency and market shifts.
Both Darnold's departure and the introduction of McCarthy highlight the continual evolution of player dynamics within the NFL, particularly as teams like the Vikings navigate the challenges of roster continuity and development.