Vikings Among Betting Favorites to Sign MVP QB as Darnold Replacement
The Minnesota Vikings are facing a critical off-season as they look to resolve their quarterback situation for the upcoming 2025 NFL season. Following an underwhelming stint by Sam Darnold, who joined the Vikings last season as a high-profile acquisition, it now seems inevitable that the two sides will part ways. This development has sent ripples through the NFL, as the Vikings are considered one of the most likely teams to pursue a veteran quarterback in free agency. The team’s future quarterback strategy will likely hinge on their belief in the readiness of J.J. McCarthy, their young quarterback prospect, who is recovering from a knee injury that kept him sidelined for his entire rookie season.
The Situation with Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold’s tenure with the Vikings was brief and filled with uncertainty. Having been signed in 2024 to a one-year deal, Darnold was brought in with the hope that he could bring stability to the quarterback position. However, despite flashes of potential, he never quite found the consistency the Vikings were hoping for, with several subpar performances that left the franchise considering alternative options. The split between Darnold and the Vikings now seems imminent, as reports suggest the team has no intention of bringing him back.
As a result, Minnesota’s front office is now preparing to explore their options in free agency and through potential trade acquisitions. While many teams opt for a rebuilding approach, the Vikings find themselves in a more unique position: they are looking for a quarterback who can both immediately step in and deliver results while potentially providing room for future growth. That dual need has made the search for the right fit a complex one.
J.J. McCarthy’s Role in the Vikings’ Plans
The future of J.J. McCarthy, the promising young quarterback drafted by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been one of the most talked-about storylines in Minnesota’s offseason plans. McCarthy missed his entire rookie year due to a knee injury, but the team is reportedly still very high on his potential to be the franchise’s quarterback of the future.
According to reports, including one from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Vikings view McCarthy as their future at the position. However, they are cautious not to rush his development and are open to giving him the necessary time to heal and adjust before taking on a starting role. If McCarthy is indeed on track to start Week 1 of the 2025 season, the Vikings could be less inclined to pursue a starting-caliber quarterback and may instead focus on bringing in a veteran backup who can provide support if needed.
However, if questions remain about McCarthy’s ability to start the season following his injury, the Vikings could be forced to look for a more experienced quarterback who can start for an extended period. This decision will be crucial, as it will shape Minnesota’s quarterback situation not just for 2025, but potentially for years to come.
Aaron Rodgers Among Potential Targets
As the Vikings evaluate their quarterback options, one name that has surfaced repeatedly in rumors is that of Aaron Rodgers. The four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion is a proven winner, and while he’s far removed from his MVP prime, he remains a highly respected signal-caller in the league. Despite a challenging 2023 season in which Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon during his first game with the New York Jets, he bounced back to play all 17 games for the team, putting up respectable numbers.
Rodgers threw for nearly 3,900 yards and 28 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, completing 63% of his passes. While his performance wasn’t as dominant as in previous years, it was still solid enough to suggest that he can contribute meaningfully to a team that is in contention for the playoffs. Given that Rodgers will be 42 years old when the 2025 season begins, questions about his long-term future in the NFL are inevitable. However, Rodgers has shown that, despite his age, he can still perform at a high level and be a capable starter for a team that has a strong roster around him.
The Vikings are currently among the top-five teams considered the favorites to land Rodgers in free agency. According to betting odds released by Odds Shark on March 3, the Vikings were listed in fifth place with odds of +750. Other teams in the running include the New York Giants (who are the favorite at -150), the Pittsburgh Steelers (+250), the Las Vegas Raiders (+400), and the Tennessee Titans (+550). These odds reflect the possibility that Rodgers could decide to join a team with a strong chance to contend for a championship, especially as he approaches the final stages of his illustrious career.
The Financial Implications of Signing Rodgers
One of the most significant factors in the Vikings’ pursuit of Rodgers will be the financial aspect. Rodgers is still owed a considerable amount of money by the Jets, who released him after just one season with the team. With one year remaining on his contract, Rodgers’ next team could potentially benefit from his relatively affordable salary for the 2025 season, which could make him an appealing option for a team with salary cap flexibility like the Vikings.
Despite his age, Rodgers is still expected to be a key contributor for any team that signs him. His presence would bring not only an experienced and accomplished quarterback to Minnesota’s offense but also a wealth of knowledge and leadership that could be invaluable to a team looking to make a deep playoff run. If the Vikings can structure a deal that makes financial sense, they could very well find themselves with one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history under center in 2025.
Daniel Jones: A One-Year Solution?
Another quarterback who could be in the mix for the Vikings is Daniel Jones, the former starting quarterback for the New York Giants. Jones has experienced a rollercoaster career in the NFL, but there’s no denying his potential. In fact, he was signed to a massive $160 million contract by the Giants before being released mid-season in 2024. Jones chose to clear waivers and eventually joined the Vikings, but his role in the team’s future remains uncertain.
Reports have suggested that one option Minnesota could explore is re-signing Daniel Jones for the 2025 season, either as a starter or as a stopgap option while McCarthy gets ready to assume the starting role. This could be an appealing route for the Vikings, especially given Jones’ familiarity with the team and the system, as well as his ability to step in and manage games at a competent level. While Jones may not be the long-term solution, he could provide a solid, one-year option for the Vikings while they develop McCarthy.
A Crucial Offseason for the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings find themselves at a crossroads heading into the 2025 NFL season. The decision on their quarterback situation will have a lasting impact on the team’s chances in the coming years. With options ranging from a future Hall of Famer in Aaron Rodgers to a potential one-year solution in Daniel Jones, the Vikings have a number of avenues to explore. How they choose to proceed will shape the trajectory of their franchise for years to come.
For now, the team remains focused on its plans for McCarthy, while also keeping an eye on potential free agent acquisitions that could solidify the quarterback position for the 2025 season. Whether they land Rodgers, Jones, or another veteran signal-caller, the Vikings have an opportunity to make a strong push for the playoffs in 2025 and beyond.
