All signs were starting to point to the Minnesota Vikings rolling with J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback in 2025, but the door might not be completely closed on the return of Sam Darnold for the 2025 season.
ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter confirmed on X that the Vikings are unlikely to use the franchise tag on Darnold, adding that Minnesota is interested in working to bring him back but not on the tag.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is keeping the options open at quarterback this offseason and isn't showing his cards when it comes to his plan for the position. At this point, it's anyone's guess who will be under center for Minnesota in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season.
Rich Eisen says he heard the Minnesota Vikings want to sign Sam Darnold to a multi-year contract
NFL Media's Rich Eisen added to the speculation about Sam Darnold returning to the Vikings in Monday's episode of "The Rich Eisen Show" when he shared the following.
"The Vikings' Plan A at quarterback, I heard at the combine from multiple people, is to sign Sam Darnold, and for more than one year. To make sure that Sam comes back for multiple seasons.
That's [due to] concern over my guy J.J. McCarthy coming off a knee injury, and they love Sam."
There is no rush for the Vikings to get J.J. McCarthy into the starting lineup. Minnesota's first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft still has three years left on his rookie deal and could use the fifth-year option to keep him for an additional season.
Considering Darnold led Minnesota to a 14-win season with a postseason appearance last season, it wouldn't be shocking if the Vikings wanted to see if he can find success in 2025. The biggest question is what it would cost for the team to acquire his services.
McCarthy missed his entire rookie season when he tore the meniscus in his right knee during the preseason. Although reports are that his rehabilitation is on schedule for him to be ready for the upcoming season, the Vikings could play it cautious and want Darnold back as an insurance policy to let the young quarterback continue to learn and grow behind an established passer.
The situation at quarterback for Minnesota is bound to dominate any discussion about the team until an official decision is made. Until then, there will be plenty of debate about what they should do at quarterback for the 2025 NFL season.