Darnold Says Vikings Made Decision For Him

Last season, the Minnesota Vikings ripped off 14 wins with Sam Darnold under center. They drafted J.J. McCarthy with the hope that he could develop into a future franchise quarterback, but that plan was derailed before it began due to a season-ending knee injury.

It seemed that Kevin O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah faced a key decision this offseason: both Darnold and Daniel Jones were potential free-agent options. However, with Minnesota in town to face the Seahawks, Darnold made it clear that decision had already been made for him.

Vikings made up their mind on Sam Darnold

It never seemed likely that the Minnesota Vikings would re-sign Sam Darnold. Fresh off a 14-win season, he was in line for a significant payday. Short of using a franchise tag–which would have made sense–he wasn’t going to be back. Even if Darnold had wanted to return, it appears the Minnesota braintrust had already made up its mind.

Here was Darnold's answer when asked if returning to Minnesota was a viable option for him. pic.twitter.com/putUCEQNSG

— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) November 28, 2025

The former third overall pick in 2018 had played for three different franchises during his first six professional years. It wasn’t until working with O’Connell in Minnesota that he truly unlocked his performance.

Across 17 games last season, Darnold posted a 66.2% completion rate with a 35/12 TD/INT ratio. Even with a Week 17 flop and first-round playoff exit, his results exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Unfortunately for the Vikings, with McCarthy waiting in the wings, the front office viewed him as a plug-and-play option. They weren’t interested in committing to Darnold long term. They went even further by offering Daniel Jones the most money but telling him he wouldn’t start.

The gamble hasn’t paid off. McCarthy has posted a 2–4 record while ranking among the statistically weaker quarterbacks in NFL history. With McCarthy now concussed, the Vikings will turn to Max Brosmer while the former Michigan signal-caller remains sidelined.

Next season Minnesota will need to decide if they want to double down on McCarthy, or attempt to correct the misstep they made this year.