The Minnesota Vikings are making waves in the offseason after a disappointing Wild Card round playoff exit. Following their 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Vikings have taken decisive action by signing multiple players, including a veteran quarterback, as they look to reshape their roster for the upcoming season.
After a season filled with promise, the Vikings’ playoff performance left fans and analysts scratching their heads. Quarterback Sam Darnold, who had led the team to a remarkable 14-3 record, faced a tough end to the season. In the playoff game, he struggled significantly, completing just 25 of 40 passes with one touchdown and a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. This performance followed a lackluster showing in the regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions, where he completed only 18 of 41 passes for 166 yards. With such critical games weighing heavily on his mind, could this spell trouble for Darnold’s future in Minnesota?
Vikings’ quarterback situation in flux
The Vikings have signed 13 players to reserve/future contracts for 2025, including 28-year-old Brett Rypien, who spent the regular season with the team. Rypien, an undrafted free agent from 2019, was initially brought in by the Vikings in late August and served as the third-string quarterback behind Darnold. His journey has been a rollercoaster, as he was waived just before the playoffs to make room for Daniel Jones but quickly returned to the practice squad. Now, he’s set to be part of the 90-man roster when the new league year kicks off in March.
With Darnold, Nick Mullens, and Daniel Jones all hitting free agency, the Vikings’ quarterback situation is murky. If the team doesn’t re-sign any of them before the crucial mid-March deadline, they may find themselves in a precarious position. Will they stick with Darnold, who was the favorite for the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year, or will they turn to Rypien or 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, who missed the entire season due to a torn meniscus?
Reflecting on the season
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has been vocal about assessing Darnold’s performance throughout the season. “It’s very important we all think about Sam’s body of work,” he remarked. Darnold’s impressive stats—35 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions—are overshadowed by his recent struggles. O’Connell acknowledged the disappointment but also emphasized the need to recognize the overall success Darnold brought to the team during the regular season.
Before this season, Darnold had thrown 63 touchdowns and 56 interceptions in his career. The drastic improvement he exhibited in 2024 raised expectations, but the last two games of the campaign could have serious financial implications for him. Could these performances cost him millions in potential contract negotiations?
New faces in the Vikings’ roster
In addition to Rypien, the Vikings have made several other key signings. Among the new additions are running back Zavier Scott, linebackers Max Tooley and Gabe Murphy, guard Henry Byrd, tackles Marcellus Johnson and Leroy Watson, wide receivers Lucky Jackson and Thayer Thomas, defensive linemen Jonathan Harris and Travis Bell, and cornerbacks Kahlef Hailassie and Reddy Steward. These moves reflect the Vikings’ commitment to bolstering their roster and addressing areas of need as they prepare for the 2025 season.
The team is clearly looking to build depth and versatility in various positions. With the NFL draft and free agency on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how these new players fit into the Vikings’ plans moving forward.
Looking ahead
As the Vikings navigate this transitional period, all eyes will be on Darnold. Despite his recent setbacks, he still has the potential to attract interest from multiple teams. Will Minnesota choose to retain him, or will they opt for a fresh start with McCarthy or Rypien?
The upcoming months will be critical for the Vikings as they seek to rebound from their playoff disappointment. With a roster that is beginning to take shape, the franchise is poised to make strategic decisions that could define their future. Fans are left wondering: can the Vikings reclaim their status as contenders in the NFC?
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, the Vikings’ offseason moves will be closely monitored. The combination of new signings and the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation creates an intriguing narrative as the team prepares for the next chapter. Will they rise to the challenge and return to playoff glory? Only time will tell.
