Minnesota Vikings Face Key Decision on Sam Darnold's Future

The quarterback's strong season and limited market options position him as a top free-agent target, forcing the Vikings to weigh their long-term plans.

• Sam Darnold's standout 2024 season, including career-high stats and a 14-3 record, has made him a key figure in the Vikings' offseason decision-making.
• Despite a disappointing end to the season, Darnold is expected to command a contract in the range of $30-$40 million annually, similar to Baker Mayfield's recent deal.
• The Vikings must decide whether to re-sign Darnold, rely on rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, or explore trade options to maximize value.
• A weak draft class and limited free-agent quarterback options have increased Darnold's leverage, with multiple teams reportedly interested, including the Raiders, Steelers, and Giants.
• Minnesota could consider using the franchise tag on Darnold, potentially as a trade asset, but this would cost approximately $40 million against the 2025 salary cap.

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