” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Sam-Darnold-and-OL.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=647,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Sam-Darnold-and-OL.jpg”> In three weeks, onlookers of Minnesota Vikings football will learn with certainty if quarterback Sam Darnold will return for a sequel season in 2025.<\/p>\n The betting market suggests that the QB1 job will belong to J.J. McCarthy<\/a>, drafted by Minnesota 10 months ago as the franchise\u2019s future. But McCarthy tore his meniscus last August, allowing Darnold to hold the QB1 job all season, and for the most part, thrive.<\/p>\n ” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kevnandsam.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=639,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kevnandsam.jpg” src=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kevnandsam.jpg” alt> Darnold threw for 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and 4,319 passing yards before vanishing in the final two games of the season. The man even flirted with fringe MVP consideration. Most Vikings fans, though, decided that McCarthy represented a wiser option in 2025 because he may not melt in the playoffs like Darnold did versus the Los Angeles Rams. <\/p>\n Now, thanks to Kevin O\u2019Connell\u2019s words and intel from ESPN, Darnold\u2019s future may already be clear.<\/p>\n Per a recent O\u2019Connell quote, the young coach might\u2019ve already predicted the outcome: letting Darnold venture to free agency with no extension or franchise tag-and-trade.<\/p>\n ” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=666,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/USATSI_22119585.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/USATSI_22119585.jpg” src=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=666,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/USATSI_22119585.jpg” alt > \u201cLook, you guys know how I feel about Sam. He is a guy that we identified last year as somebody who could come in and be successful. And really no matter where he was at before he arrived in his quarterback journey, it was about maximizing our time together,\u201d\u00a0O\u2019Connell said<\/a>\u00a0about Darnold a week and a half ago.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I think we did that, and I think it was a very special year for Sam. And what that earned him is, everybody in our league now thinks he\u2019s a bona fide legitimate starting quarterback and can win a lot of football games. He won 14 of them.\u201d<\/p>\n That was high praise for the 2024 QB1. But then O\u2019Connell got to the chase: \u201cSo he\u2019s earned the right to be a free agent, but we will continue to have ongoing dialogue and discussions with him and his representation.\u201d<\/p>\n ” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/darnoldten.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=694,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/darnoldten.jpg” src=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/darnoldten.jpg” alt> O\u2019Connell\u2019s words \u2014\u00a0earning the right to be a free agent<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 is a cat-out-of-the-bag revelation. It\u2019s as if he already knows the alternative to no contract extension is sure-fire free agency.<\/p>\n ESPN\u2019s\u00a0Kevin Seifert revealed<\/a>\u00a0Monday about Minnesota\u2019s utility of the franchise tag, \u201cUsing the tag on quarterback Sam Darnold would be an expensive way of ensuring his return while avoiding a longer-term commitment that would hinder J.J. McCarthy\u2019s eventual ascension. It could also be a way to elicit additional value by way of a trade, but that would require a knowledge that multiple teams would be willing to bid.\u201d<\/p>\n ” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/darnoldyell.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=662,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/darnoldyell.jpg” src=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/darnoldyell.jpg” alt> Teams can start using the franchise tag on Tuesday, February 18th.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the end, the Vikings seem more likely to let Darnold sign elsewhere and preserve their tag for a player such as cornerback\u00a0Byron Murphy Jr., who had a career-high six interceptions in 2024 and is hitting his prime at age 27. If nothing else, it would give the Vikings time to sign Murphy to a longer-term deal while keeping him off the market,\u201d Seifert added. <\/p>\n ” data-medium-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/kwesifrugal.jpg” data-large-file=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1180,height=728,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/kwesifrugal.jpg” src=”https:\/\/vikingsterritory.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/kwesifrugal.jpg” alt=”sam darnold” > If Murphy is the preferred franchise tag target instead of Darnold, well, an NFL squad can only use the tag once per year.<\/p>\n The dialogue regarding Darnold seems to hint he\u2019ll hit free agency and avoid a franchise tag or trade.<\/p>\n Dustin Baker<\/em><\/a> is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, <\/em>VikesNow<\/em><\/a>. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, \u2018The Sopranos,\u2019 Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n All statistics provided by <\/em>Pro Football Reference \/ Stathead<\/em><\/a>; all contractual information provided by <\/em>OverTheCap.com<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/main><\/p>\n<\/div>\n2 Major Clues about Sam Darnold\u2019s Future<\/h4>\n
Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O\u2019Connell and fullback C.J. Ham (right) look on before the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n
Football Kevin O\u2019Connell\u2019s Hint<\/h2>\n
Dec 16, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O\u00d5Connell calls a play in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar\/The Enquirer-USA TODAY Sports.<\/p>\n
Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes the ball warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n
Football ESPN\u2019s Clue<\/h2>\n
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates his touchdown to wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in August of 2022 at Minnesota Vikings headquarters in Eagan, Minnesota. <\/p>\n
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