Sam Darnold Rumors: Vikings Return Not Expected in NFL Free Agency Amid Seahawks Links

While Sam Darnold's return to the Minnesota Vikings once seemed like a strong possibility, the market has changed now that the Seattle Seahawks have a quarterback opening.

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Darnold is no longer expected to remain with the Vikings when the free-agency tampering period begins on Monday.

Pelissero noted Minnesota has shifted its focus to other options, including bringing back Daniel Jones.

The Seahawks agreed to a deal on Friday that will send Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2025 third-round draft pick, per Pelissero.

Even though the Vikings elected not to use the franchise tag to ensure they could keep Darnold, there had been growing speculation that the two sides might work out a deal.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini said on Friday's episode of the Scoop City podcast that "most teams" around the NFL were thinking Darnold and the Vikings would find common ground on a contract.

It was a bit surprising to think the Vikings would keep Darnold because of how much they invested in J.J. McCarthy last year. They used the No. 10 pick in the 2024 draft to select the Michigan quarterback.

A torn meniscus suffered in preseason ended McCarthy's season, opening the door for Darnold to be the starter.

Darnold took that opportunity and ran with it. He threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and completed 66.2 percent of his attempts. The Vikings' 14-3 record was tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the second-best in the NFC.

Things didn't end well for Darnold in 2024. His last two games in Week 18 and the wild-card round were his two worst of the season. He combined to go 43-of-81 (53.1 percent) for 411 yards with one touchdown, one interception and 11 sacks.

The way the season ended for Darnold did harken back to the days when he looked like a draft bust for the New York Jets, but that doesn't necessarily wash away what he accomplished in the previous 16 games.

If Seattle ends up being where Darnold signs, the hope is that those 16 games are more indicative of what he's capable of going forward.

New Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has experience with Darnold when they were with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. Kubiak was the passing game coordinator on Kyle Shanahan's staff when Darnold was the backup to Brock Purdy.

If Darnold leaves the Vikings, it would seem to signal that McCarthy will enter training camp as their starter. Jones finished last season as their backup after being signed in November following his release by the New York Giants.