The perception of Sam Darnold has shifted drastically in just two weeks.
Once in discussions for a contract exceeding $100 million, Darnold’s final two games of the Minnesota Vikings’ season have cast doubt over his future.
The 27-year-old quarterback dropped two crucial matchups: a pivotal Week 18 game against the Detroit Lions and a season-ending loss to the Los Angeles Rams. These performances overshadowed what had been a career-redefining year.
Darnold was previously seen as too valuable for the Vikings to allow him to leave in free agency. As the top quarterback set to hit the market, the franchise tag seemed like a strategic option. It would enable Minnesota to either retain him or find a trade partner and secure a valuable draft pick.
However, that plan took a hit as Darnold faltered in two of the biggest games of his career.
Darnold’s Late-Season Struggles Create Doubts
For the first time in his Vikings tenure, Darnold posted sub-100 passer ratings in consecutive games to close the season. While he had occasional poor outings earlier, he often rebounded impressively throughout the regular season.
Darnold threw 18 touchdowns and just two interceptions over his final eight regular-season games. However, his performance unraveled in Monday’s loss to the Rams. In the first half, he threw an interception and fumbled the ball, leading to a 57-yard scoop-and-score. His turnovers handed 14 points to a Los Angeles team that built a commanding 24-3 halftime lead.
Despite steadying himself in the second half, Darnold failed to mount a meaningful comeback. He was visibly shaken throughout the game, thanks to eight sacks from the Rams defense—six of which occurred in the first half.
The Vikings’ offensive line bears some responsibility, but Darnold’s hesitation and inability to quicken his decision-making were glaring. His reckless pocket presence exacerbated the problem.
With his $10 million contract expiring in March, Darnold’s future is uncertain.
His trade value has undoubtedly dipped for a Vikings franchise that has J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings. While Darnold’s overall performance suggests he could secure another starting job, the risk of a tag-and-trade strategy has increased if Minnesota struggles to find a trade partner.
Vikings Prepare for Crucial 2025 Offseason
Over the last five offseasons, the Vikings have lacked the cap flexibility to pursue top-tier free agents due to Kirk Cousins’ significant cap hit.
That trend continued into 2024, despite the team parting ways with Cousins. Minnesota was burdened by $28.5 million in dead cap space, covering the leftover bonuses from Cousins’ void years.
Such accounting maneuvers are common for teams attempting to maximize their Super Bowl window. In total, the Vikings carried over $70 million in dead cap for the 2024 season, ranking fifth-highest in the league.
Although Minnesota made notable free-agent additions during the 2024 offseason, this marks just the beginning of a new era. With $69.5 million in cap space available for 2025, the Vikings are well-positioned to make significant moves.
Key areas of concern, like the defensive and offensive interior, should benefit from substantial reinforcements after years of patchwork solutions during the Cousins era. However, with six of the seven starting members of the secondary set to hit free agency, there are critical roster decisions ahead.
The 2025 offseason offers a golden opportunity for the Vikings to address their weaknesses and build a stronger foundation for success.
