The Minnesota Vikings are facing significant changes as the NFL free agency period began on March 10, 2025. The departure of both Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens marks the end of an era as the team readies for the upcoming season with new questions at the quarterback position.
On this pivotal day, former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold reached agreement on a three-year, $110.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, including $55 million guaranteed, as reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN. This signing was seen as the first major domino to fall within the unpredictable NFL quarterback carousel. Darnold previously had stellar performances with the Vikings during the 2024 season, throwing for over 4,319 yards and securing 35 touchdowns, which led Minnesota to a strong record of 14-3 and participation in the wild-card playoff round, though they fell to the Los Angeles Rams.
Shortly after the announcement of Darnold's move, news broke of Nick Mullens' departure to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mullens, who spent the last three seasons as Darnold's backup, signed for two years totaling $6.5 million, with $3 million guaranteed—a deal confirmed by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. While Mullens did not see extensive playtime last season, he managed to complete both of the passes he attempted and had previously started three games for the Vikings before Darnold took the lead role.
The quick turnaround of both quarterbacks leaves Minnesota with only J.J. McCarthy, their first-round pick from the 2024 draft, and veteran QB Brett Rypien under contract as the team heads toward changes. Fortunately for the Vikings, McCarthy is expected to be healthy enough for offseason activities after missing significant time due to injury last season.
With Darnold and Mullens moving on, speculation swirls around whom the Vikings may pursue next. The team has shown interest in re-signing Daniel Jones, who played the latter half of the 2024 season with the Vikings and is familiar with the current system and coaching staff. Both Jameis Winston and even Aaron Rodgers could emerge as candidates, creating excitement around potential signings to bolster competition within the quarterback room.
For the Seahawks, Darnold's addition is aimed at replacing Geno Smith, who was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders just days earlier. Smith's performance had started to decline over the past two seasons, prompting Seattle to seek new leadership under center. Joining forces with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who previously worked with Darnold, may provide the fresh beginnings the Seahawks hope for after trading Smith.
While Mullens reunites with Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, the Vikings are left assessing their next moves. Mullens' knowledge of the Vikings' system made him invaluable, and losing him could impact McCarthy's growth. With McCarthy untested and only having played four games last season, the team must either trust his potential or look for experienced quarterbacks to share the workload and mentor him.
The situation is complex. Will the Vikings lean toward bringing another veteran with the ability to compete for the starting spot? Or will they put their faith entirely behind McCarthy, giving him the reins to prove his capabilities as the franchise's future? Head coach Kevin O'Connell has decisions to make as the team embarks on this unique offseason.
The sport is unpredictable, and as the days progress, keep your eyes peeled for news on the Vikings' quarterback position and whether they will reshape their roster with new faces or hold firm behind their promising young quarterback. While the Vikings have said farewell to Darnold and Mullens, the quest for stability at the quarterback position continues, providing much intrigue as the 2025 NFL season approaches.