The Minnesota Vikings recently showcased their decision to sign Sam Darnold as their starting quarterback, and it’s hard to argue with the results. In Week 14, Darnold went head-to-head with former Viking Kirk Cousins, now leading the Atlanta Falcons, and the outcome was nothing short of spectacular. The Vikings triumphed with a commanding 42-21 victory, and Darnold’s performance was a key highlight.
Darnold delivered his best game as a Viking, completing 22 of 28 passes for an impressive 347 yards, five touchdowns, and a staggering 157.9 passer rating. In contrast, Cousins struggled to keep pace, finishing with 23 completions on 37 attempts for 344 yards, two interceptions, and a rating of 92.6. The stark difference in their performances only reinforced the Vikings’ confidence in their choice to move on from Cousins.
What’s Next for the Vikings?
As the 2024 season approaches its conclusion, the Vikings face a pivotal decision regarding their quarterback situation for 2025. With Darnold’s stellar play, the question looms: How will they manage the competition between Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy? McCarthy, a first-round draft pick, suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for his entire rookie season, leaving the door wide open for Darnold to shine.
Darnold’s success has not only bolstered the team’s record to an impressive 11-3 but has also made it difficult for head coach Kevin O’Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown to overlook his contributions. Darnold has proven to be a perfect fit in the Vikings’ system, exceeding expectations and establishing himself as a leader on the field.
Sam Darnold’s Contract Status
Darnold’s current contract is a one-year deal worth $10 million, with $8.75 million guaranteed. This is a stark contrast to Cousins’ hefty four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons, which averages $45 million per year with $100 million guaranteed. Darnold’s performance has provided the Vikings with an incredible return on investment, but they must consider the financial implications of re-signing him.
Recent trends in the NFL suggest that if the Vikings wish to retain Darnold, they might need to prepare for a significant financial commitment. The Buccaneers saw Baker Mayfield’s value skyrocket to $33 million per year after a breakout season, while Geno Smith’s success with the Seahawks earned him $25 million annually. With Darnold’s rising stock, the Vikings might find themselves needing to offer between $30-$35 million per season to keep him around.
The Dilemma of J.J. McCarthy
On the other hand, McCarthy is entering the second year of his rookie contract, which is a bargain at $21.85 million over four years, averaging less than $5.5 million annually. His cap hit for 2025 will be just under $5 million. This raises an intriguing question: Should the Vikings invest heavily in Darnold when they have a promising young quarterback in McCarthy?
The Vikings must weigh the benefits of having Darnold as a high-end starter against the potential of McCarthy, who led a national championship team at Michigan. However, with McCarthy missing an entire season, will he be ready to step up in a high-pressure environment? The Vikings face a challenging decision: do they continue to develop McCarthy or keep Darnold as their primary signal-caller?
Daniel Jones and the Backup Situation
Adding another layer to the Vikings’ quarterback conundrum is the presence of Daniel Jones, who is currently on the practice squad. Jones is earning $375,000 for the remainder of the season and will become an unrestricted free agent in March 2025. The Vikings have no obligations to him beyond this season, but his experience could be valuable in the quarterback room.
As the Vikings navigate these decisions, they must consider the dynamics of their offensive roster. Darnold has established himself as a respected leader among key offensive players like wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson. His ability to connect with these stars only adds to his appeal as the starting quarterback.
What Should the Vikings Do at QB in 2025?
Looking ahead, the Vikings must carefully evaluate their options. Darnold’s impressive performance cannot be ignored, and his leadership qualities make a compelling case for re-signing him. However, the potential of McCarthy looms large, and the team must decide if they are ready to hand him the reins after a year of development.
The Vikings should consider the possibility of pairing Darnold with McCarthy for the 2025 season. This combination could provide the team with a solid foundation, allowing McCarthy to learn under Darnold while also preparing for a future where he can take over as the starter. Meanwhile, Jones could serve as a reliable backup, providing depth to the quarterback position.
In the end, the Vikings find themselves in an enviable position. With a talented quarterback in Darnold and a promising rookie in McCarthy, they have the opportunity to shape their future in a way that could lead to sustained success. The decisions they make in the coming months will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the franchise, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how it all unfolds.
