Minnesota Vikings Face Key Quarterback Decision as Free Agency Approaches

The team weighs retaining Sam Darnold, promoting J.J. McCarthy, or exploring external options for the 2025 season.

Sam Darnold, coming off a career-best season with 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, is set to test free agency, with predictions linking him to teams like the Raiders.
The Vikings are evaluating whether to use the franchise tag on Darnold, offer him a long-term deal, or let him walk to prioritize other roster needs.
Rookie J.J. McCarthy, sidelined in 2024 due to injury, is being positioned as the team's future QB1, though his readiness for the starting role remains uncertain.
Daniel Jones, who joined the Vikings' practice squad late last season, is being considered as a potential bridge quarterback if Darnold departs.
External options, such as trading for Matthew Stafford, have been speculated, but the team's limited draft capital and cap space could restrict aggressive moves.