The Minnesota Vikings just had a franchise-altering decision become much easier to make. After veteran quarterback Sam Darnold performed so well in the wake of J.J. McCarthy's injury, many were wondering if Minnesota would bring Darnold back in 2025 and keep the former No. 10 pick on ice.
Unfortunately for Darnold, he may have lost out on a big contract with Minnesota after two huge stinkers in the Vikings' two biggest games of the year. After going 18-41 in a loss against the Detroit Lions that cost them the No. 1 seed, the Vikings were brutalized by the Los Angeles Rams. Darnold turned it over twice and was sacked nine times.
While the Vikings may not have as much interest in Darnold as they did previously, the free agent market still seems willing to give him a multi-year contract in the $40 million per year range. These four teams could need a new quarterback so desperately that they end up forking over the cash for Darnold.
5 teams who could sign Vikings QB Sam Darnold in free agency
5. New York Jets
Darnold may never want to wear anything green ever again after how bad his first go-around with the team was, but the Jets could need a quarterback if they are done with Aaron Rodgers. With an owner willing to spend and a solid roster, this could be an appealing spot for him purely in a vacuum.
4. Cleveland Browns
The Browns may not want two expensive quarterback contracts on their ledger after the Deshaun Watson debacle, but there is no better way to improve at the position in a brutal division than making a run at Darnold. If the Browns aren't sold on a young quarterback in the draft, expect Darnold to get some attention.
3. Tennessee Titans
If the Titans fall in love with either Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter in the 2025 NFL Draft, Brian Callahan may ask for a veteran quarterback like Darnold over either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. In the weak AFC South, Darnold playing like he did pre-playoffs in Minnesota could be a difference-maker.
2. New York Giants
The Giants may be left without someone to dance with at the proverbial prom, as the Titans and Browns could theoretically nab Ward and Sanders before they pick at No. 3. With a defense that has some intriguing pieces and Malik Nabers in town, the Joe Schoen regime could take one last big swing by bringing Darnold back to New York
1. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are picking No. 6 overall in a brutal division, but they are still getting interest from top coaching candidates. An offensive mind pairing Darnold with Brock Bowers could be enough to get Las Vegas back on track, even if the signing would give some fans Jimmy Garoppolo flashbacks.