The Vikings of Minnesota could have a new starting field marshal in 2025. Sam Darnold took the team to a record of 14-3 last season, but it could be elsewhere for the next season with the Vikings that it is unlikely to use the franchise label in it, according to NFL Media.
Minnesota’s decision means that there is a good possibility that Darnold officially becomes a free agent on March 12.
Darnold, 27, comes from a race season with the Vikings who saw him occupy the fifth place in general in air yards (4,319) and TouchDown passes (35), but he was in a one -year agreement. The Vikings brought him as a field marshal after recruiting JJ McCarthy with the tenth general selection in the NFL 2024 draft. But once McCarthy hurt his knee during the preseason, Darnold was sure of the initial paper.
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The Vikings could have guaranteed Darnold’s return to Minnesota for the 2025 season using the franchise label, but that would have cost them $ 40.2 million, which is a high number considering that the Vikings only paid Darnold $ 10 million in 2024.
According to multiple reports, the Vikings will try to sign Darnold again, but if that happens, the franchise label will not be involved. The NFL franchise label deadline is at 4 pm et on Tuesday, which means that Vikings have until then making a final decision.
The Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell hinted at the beginning of February that the team could end up letting Darnold hit free agency.
“He has earned the right to be a free agent,” O’Connell said on February 6. “But we will continue to have continuous dialogue and discussions with him and his representation, in addition to being really excited about JJ McCarthy and where he is in his rehabilitation.”
After a good start, Darnold fought for the section
During most of the season, Darnold played as one of the best quartbacks in the NFL, but vanished by the section. In the last two games of the Minnesota year, he brought the offensive to only 18 points, while averaging only 205.5 air yards with only one TD and an interception in defeats to the lions (31-9 to finish the regular season) and Rams (27-9 in the playoffs).
Darnold’s stock cooled quickly after those two losses and the Vikings now seem completely open to the idea of moving forward. If Darnold does not return to Minnesota, that will probably prepare the stage for McCarthy to take his first NFL photos. McCarthy torn Your meniscus in Augustwhich made him lose the entire 2024 season.
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As for Darnold, it will be interesting to see if he is willing to take some kind of discount to stay in Minnesota. Before signing with the Vikings, he had been only 21-35 in his career since he was recruited by the New York Jets with the third general selection in 2018. But he had a professional resurgence in Minnesota.
If Darnold leaves Minnesota, the giants and the raiders will probably be the most interested teams in adding it. You You can read more about other teams that could be interested here.