Vikings Poised to Make Major $160 Million Commitment to QB Sam Darnold Following Surprising 2024 Season Collapse

The Minnesota Vikings’ 2024 season ended on a sour note, as they watched a promising campaign unravel in the final weeks. Despite a strong 14-win season, the Vikings’ postseason aspirations were dashed after an upset loss to the Detroit Lions in the season finale, cementing their status as the 14-win wild card team in NFL history. Their playoff hopes were further extinguished in the wild card round, where they suffered a disappointing 29-7 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. This abrupt end to their season has left the organization with numerous questions to address in the offseason, and perhaps the biggest of all concerns is the future of quarterback Sam Darnold.

Darnold, who took over as the Vikings’ starting quarterback following an injury to rookie J.J. McCarthy, played arguably the best football of his career during the 2024 season. The veteran quarterback delivered a series of impressive performances, leading the team to the postseason and providing a steadying presence behind center. With his one-year contract set to expire, the question now arises: What will the Vikings do at the quarterback position?

ESPN’s Benjamin Solak predicts that the Vikings will make a significant financial commitment to Darnold and possibly explore trade options for McCarthy, who was drafted with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. According to Solak, the Vikings are likely to offer Darnold a contract in the ballpark of four years and $160 million, a deal comparable to the one signed by New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.

Darnold’s Resurgence

Sam Darnold’s career has been a rollercoaster ride since being selected by the New York Jets with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. After a rough start to his career in New York, Darnold spent the 2023 season with the Carolina Panthers before ultimately joining the Vikings as a free agent. The change of scenery in Minnesota has seemingly worked wonders for Darnold, as he found new life under head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system.

When McCarthy, the rookie sensation, suffered an injury midseason, Darnold stepped in and was able to maintain the Vikings’ playoff push. His 2024 season was marked by impressive consistency, as he finished with solid statistics and a leadership presence that many had not seen from him in previous years. Darnold threw for 3,900 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions, a major improvement over his previous seasons. His ability to make quick decisions and manage the offense effectively gave the Vikings a real chance to make a deep playoff run, even if they ultimately fell short.

Darnold’s ability to operate in O’Connell’s pass-heavy offense allowed him to showcase his talents, especially in the absence of McCarthy. The Vikings’ offense, bolstered by an array of weapons such as Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, flourished under Darnold’s steady hand. While the team struggled in their playoff game against the Rams, the broader body of work during the regular season indicated that Darnold was more than capable of being the long-term answer for the Vikings at quarterback.

A Bold Financial Commitment

The question of what the Vikings will do with Darnold’s contract is one of the most pressing concerns heading into the offseason. With his one-year deal set to expire, the Vikings are now facing a decision that could shape the future of the franchise. According to Solak, the Vikings will likely extend Darnold for a long-term deal worth $160 million over four years, which would place him in the same financial neighborhood as other quarterbacks who have recently signed lucrative extensions, such as Daniel Jones of the New York Giants.

This potential commitment to Darnold would mark a major shift for the Vikings, who spent their 2024 first-round pick on J.J. McCarthy. The former Michigan quarterback was hailed as one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft, and the Vikings’ decision to select him was viewed as a long-term investment in their future at the position. However, with McCarthy’s development slowed by injury and Darnold’s unexpected resurgence, Minnesota could now face a dilemma about whether to keep both quarterbacks on the roster or move on from one of them.

If the Vikings choose to extend Darnold, it is possible that they will look to trade McCarthy to another team in need of a quarterback. The NFL is filled with quarterback-needy teams, and McCarthy’s talent, despite a less-than-ideal rookie season, could attract interest. Teams such as the Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and even the Atlanta Falcons could all be potential landing spots for the young quarterback, especially given the weakness of the 2025 quarterback draft class.

The Potential Trade of McCarthy

A potential trade of McCarthy would certainly mark a surprising development, especially considering the Vikings’ investment in him just a year ago. However, there are compelling reasons why Minnesota could decide to part ways with McCarthy and go all-in on Darnold. For one, McCarthy’s rookie season was not exactly the smooth transition many had hoped for. While he showed flashes of his potential, he also struggled at times, particularly in the limited starts he had before his injury. The Vikings may feel that Darnold’s proven ability to run their offense at a high level makes him a better option in the short term, especially as the team looks to make a playoff push in 2025.

The decision to trade McCarthy would also be influenced by the current state of the quarterback market. With a weak quarterback class in the 2025 NFL Draft, teams looking to secure a young signal-caller may be more inclined to trade for a proven talent like McCarthy rather than gamble on an unproven rookie. Given McCarthy’s pedigree and talent, the Vikings could find a suitor willing to pay a steep price to acquire him, which would help Minnesota address other needs on the roster.

The Vikings could also look to address other areas of the team, such as bolstering their defense or improving their offensive line, if they commit to Darnold long-term. While McCarthy remains an intriguing prospect, the Vikings may feel that the window to win a Super Bowl with their current roster is closing, and they need to make moves that give them the best chance to compete in the immediate future.

The Future of the Vikings

If the Vikings decide to commit to Sam Darnold as their starting quarterback, they will have to adjust their overall strategy. While Darnold’s performance in 2024 was impressive, it remains to be seen whether he can consistently play at such a high level over the course of a long-term contract. The Vikings will need to surround him with the necessary pieces to succeed, including addressing any potential weaknesses on the offensive line and continuing to build up their defense.

However, this commitment to Darnold also signals that the Vikings are serious about competing in 2025. With a quarterback who has shown he can handle the pressure of the NFL’s brightest stages, the Vikings will be in position to make another playoff run, provided they can shore up other areas of their roster.

Ultimately, the 2025 offseason will be crucial for the Vikings. Whether they choose to keep Darnold, trade McCarthy, or pursue other avenues, the decisions made in the coming months will likely determine whether this team remains a Super Bowl contender or falls short once again. The franchise has a talented roster and an exciting future, but the pressure to make the right moves will never be greater.