Overview

• Sam Darnold, coming off a career-best season with 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, is set to enter free agency after a one-year stint with the Vikings.
• The Vikings have expressed appreciation for Darnold's performance but are reportedly unwilling to offer a long-term, high-value contract, with projections suggesting he could command $40 million annually.
• Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who missed much of his first season due to injury, is expected to take the reins as the Vikings' long-term starter, with the team prioritizing his development.
• Free agency speculation links Darnold to teams like the Raiders, Steelers, and others, with Las Vegas emerging as a strong contender due to their cap space and new coaching staff alignment.
• The Vikings have retained the option to use the franchise tag on Darnold but are considered more likely to let him test the market or explore a tag-and-trade scenario.