NFL Exec: Sam Darnold Contract Will be Targeted by 'A Lot of Places' in Free Agency

There isn't expected to be any shortage of interest in Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold once he hits free agency in 2025.

"I think Darnold is going to figure into the options in a lot of places," one NFL executive told Mike Sando of The Athletic.

The 27-year-old is in the midst of a breakout season with the Vikings, helping Minnesota reach an impressive 11-2 record through 13 games. His long-term future with the team is uncertain as rookie signal-caller J.J. McCarthy enters the mix next year, though.

"McCarthy is their guy," the exec said, per Sando. "The talking heads think they are crazy to let Darnold go, but they don't have the same conviction on McCarthy as the Vikings do."

The Vikings used the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft to select McCarthy, but he suffered a torn meniscus that required season-ending surgery in the preseason.

Darnold, who signed a one-year deal with Minnesota in March, was subsequently inserted into a first-string role. He's blown past expectations, completing 68.4 percent of his throws for 3,299 yards and 28 touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions.

He's also averaging a career-high 253.8 yards per game through the air.

It's easy to see why opposing teams are interested in him, but some may have questions surrounding his impact when he's not playing under Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell.

"What's Darnold doing versus what's the product of the [Vikings' system]?" another executive said, via ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "The first half of the season he's playing with a lead every game. Now their games have gotten stickier and he's doing more. That could be a trend."

It's worth noting that Minnesota also boasts an imposing receiving core that includes Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson.

A return to the Vikings isn't completely out of the picture for Darnold, but the presence of McCarthy could result in opposing front offices making larger offers compared to his current team once he becomes an unrestricted free agent.