The Minnesota Vikings’ 2024 season was salvaged thanks to their decision to sign Sam Darnold early in NFL free agency. Darnold emerged with a standout performance after J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury, helping guide Minnesota to the playoffs and igniting discussions about the team’s starting quarterback for 2025.
McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, tore his meniscus during his first preseason game. After undergoing full repair surgery, he was sidelined for the remainder of the season, paving the way for Darnold to take over as the starting quarterback.
Darnold made the most of the opportunity, finishing the season with the fourth-most passing yards (4,319) and passing touchdowns (35) in the NFL. Heading into Week 18 against the Detroit Lions, there was considerable debate over who should be the Vikings’ starting quarterback in 2025. However, this discussion shifted after Darnold’s rough two-game stretch in Week 18 and a Wild Card Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Despite this, Darnold’s late-season struggles may have opened the possibility for Minnesota to re-sign him to a more affordable contract. Before his slump, NFL executives anticipated that Darnold would secure a multi-year deal worth over $40 million annually in free agency. Now, estimates suggest his value will likely drop to around $35 million per year.
The Vikings’ decision is further complicated by McCarthy’s status for 2025. After undergoing his initial knee procedure in August, McCarthy had a second surgery in November to address swelling. Fortunately, this second procedure is not expected to delay his offseason progress.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report that McCarthy is expected to resume football drills in the coming weeks, meaning the rookie will likely be ready for the Vikings’ OTAs in May.
J.J. McCarthy contract (Spotrac): $4.966 million cap hit in 2025, $5.96 million cap hit in 2026, $6.953 million cap hit in 2027, team option in 2028.
As expected, the Vikings may seek a veteran quarterback if the bidding for Darnold exceeds their budget. Daniel Jones, who finished the season with Minnesota, is a leading candidate, but his market may also drive up his asking price.
The Vikings, however, have the advantage of head coach Kevin O’Connell’s success with Darnold, along with a stellar supporting cast featuring Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson, making Minnesota an appealing destination for a veteran quarterback. Regardless of who the Vikings sign, McCarthy is still considered the frontrunner to be the team’s starting quarterback in 2025.
