NFL Insiders Debate a Possible Sam Darnold + Vikings 2025 Reunion

When the Minnesota Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy in the first round of April’s draft, it seemingly cemented their one-and-done QB plans for Sam Darnold. The former first round pick is playing on a one-year deal worth $10 million.

For 2024, Sam Darnold is the leader of a Minnesota Vikings team that currently sits at 7-2, on the season. Of course, that record isn’t a reflection of just Sam’s production, but he is the most important piece on the team, as is any QB on any NFL roster.

Next season, he’ll demand much more than the high-end backup salary he is making in 2024. That money is expected to come from somewhere other than Minnesota, but there are plenty of question marks surrounding the future, after McCarthy tore his meniscus during the Vikings preseason.

NFL insiders debate: Can Sam Darnold land back with Minnesota Vikings

Even NFL insiders are split on what the Vikings might do. ESPN associates, Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler appear to be on much different sides of the argument. Graz will “never say never” but just can’t see Darnold working out in Minnesota, beyond 2024. He picks out the Rams as the best future fit for Sam.

I doubt Darnold ends up back in Minnesota, where the Vikings want to have the decks cleared for J.J. McCarthy once their first-round pick is healthy again. Never say never, of course, and if McCarthy’s recovery from his knee injury is delayed, who knows?  But my guess is someone will want to pay Darnold more than the Vikings, given McCarthy’s status as their future starter.

Dan Graziano (ESPN)

While Graziano sees a Darnold reunion in Minnesota as pretty much impossible, his colleague and co-writer of this ESPN insider “buzz” piece, sees the situation differently. While Fowler admits its still more of a longshot, he sees a return to the Vikings next season as much more feasible than Graziano.

I’m not taking a return to Minnesota completely off the table. What if Darnold and the Vikings win 12 games and make a playoff run? It’s totally plausible, and perhaps Darnold would be open to another short-term deal. After all, being coached by O’Connell and throwing to receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison along with tight end T.J. Hockenson each week is a better scenario than almost any alternative. The money speaks in these situations, but Darnold starting in 2025 would give McCarthy another season to develop behind the scenes before taking over in Year 3 of his rookie deal.

Jeremy Fowler (ESPN)

Drafting McCarthy gave the Vikings financial flexibility and an opportunity to evaluate whether they have a franchise cornerstone. At 28 years old, you wouldn’t think it makes sense for Darnold to parlay a good year into another short-term deal.

Unlikely… but not impossible.

According to local insider Charley Walters, even a Super Bowl victory wouldn’t be enough to keep Sam Darnold around. Graziano is definitely in that camp. After Fowler’s rebuttal above, the ESPN insider doubled down on Sam’s time in Minnesota being limited.

Yeah, again, never say never. But waiting until Year 3 to play your rookie quarterback is a tough way to go. (Looking at you, Falcons.) You must decide on the fifth-year option after Year 3, and one season’s worth of evidence isn’t a ton.

The injury is a developmental setback, but having been in the building for a year means McCarthy will be further ahead in August 2025 than he was in August 2024. Bringing back Darnold and rerunning the original 2024 plan could do more harm than good to McCarthy’s development at that point.

Dan Graziano (ESPN)

In all reality, the return of Sam Darnold could depend on what options the Vikings have available to them. Of course, they’d love to hand the reins to JJ McCarthy, but will his recovery allow a smooth transition during the offseason?

Related: Where Does Vikings QB Sam Darnold Rank Among 2025 NFL Free Agents?

The Minnesota Vikings organization doesn’t want to call his procedure a “surgery” or a “setback” but the No. 10 overall pick just underwent an additional procedure on his surgically repaired knee, after it started to show swelling during rehab. They say it is a preventative measure… but some might call it a red flag.

Darnold launches deep to Addison for 51 yards!

📺: #DETvsMIN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/LKMgUI6vYE

— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2024

Should Darnold follow the money, some logical landing spots included in this ESPN article include Tennessee, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and Cleveland. Fowler and Graz even discuss a possible return to Carolina… or even the New York Jets.

I’d assume Darnold would be out on both of those situations, but money does tend to talk. The best landing spot might be Los Angeles, who had interest in Darnold backing up Matthew Stafford, prior to him signing with the Vikings. If Stafford retires, then Sean McVay could see Darnold as a plug-and-play starter.

Related: Don’t Call it a Setback: Additional Knee Procedure Required for Vikings Rookie JJ McCarthy

At this point, it appears Darnold has proven himself as a capable quarterback, as long as he is in a good situation. Yes, he leads the league with ten interceptions, but he also has 17 touchdowns and a near-70% completion rate.

As the weeks go by, there will continue to be debate regarding Sam Darnold’s future. Until he signs with another team this offseason, the possibility that he could return to the Minnesota Vikings technically remains.