It's no secret that not every Minnesota Vikings fan agreed with the team's decision not to bring back Sam Darnold this past offseason, with the franchise instead opting to hand the reins to young J.J. McCarthy.
And it's obviously easy to understand why some felt that way. Initially brought to Minnesota on a one-year deal to serve as a placeholder, Darnold stepped up when McCarthy went down with a season-ending injury, with the best campaign of his career.
Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 regular-season record while setting personal bests in completion percentage (66.2), passing yards (4,319), touchdown passes (35), and passer rating (102.5).
The issue with Minnesota bringing Darnold back, whether on a new contract or the franchise tag, was reportedly due to his poor performances in the regular-season finale against the Lions and the Vikings' postseason loss to the Rams.
But the Seattle Seahawks didn't have any problems bringing him to the Pacific Northwest, trading Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders and signing Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal.
And while McCarthy has struggled to find his footing in Minnesota, Darnold has thrived in Seattle thus far, leading the Seahawks to a 10-3 record while currently ranking sixth in completion percentage (68.1), sixth in passing yards (3,122), tied for fifth in TD passes (22), and fifth in passer rating (103.8).
Naturally, one has to wonder if the Vikings would make a different decision on Darnold and McCarthy if the choice presented itself.
Interestingly enough, ESPN has actually created a scenario in which that may be possible, as Dan Graziano included Darnold on a list of 10 players he believes could potentially be surprise trade or cut candidates during the upcoming 2026 offseason.
Former Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold has no guaranteed money on his contract with the Seattle Seahawks after 2025
Darnold getting released by Seattle in 2026 would be a giant shock, but Graziano shared why it's something that cannot be fully ruled out.
"Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seahawks in free agency this year. He is under contract for a very reasonable $28 million in 2026 and $45.7 million in 2027. But as is the Seahawks' policy with veteran contracts, none of the money beyond the first year was guaranteed at signing.
If Darnold is still on the Seahawks' roster five days after the Super Bowl (so, Feb. 13), then $17.5 million of his 2026 compensation becomes fully guaranteed. But if they were to cut him before that, they wouldn't owe even one more penny and would be on the hook for just $25.6 million in dead money.
Now, the Seahawks are one of the best teams in the league, and Darnold is a big part of the reason why.
He's ninth in QBR at 64.3 and completing 68.3% of his throws. Odds are the Seahawks keep him for 2026. But they build these contracts this way on purpose -- to give themselves maximum flexibility.
If the Seahawks decide Darnold isn't their guy -- or if they find someone else they think is an upgrade -- they would be in position to pivot without very much financial pain."
As Graziano mentions, the likelihood of the Seahawks parting ways with Darnold after just one year would seem to be quite low, especially with the success he's had thus far. Yes, third-round rookie Jalen Milroe is waiting in the wings, but one wouldn't think he's even being seen as a genuine option until at least his third season.
Nevertheless, it's interesting to think about from the Vikings' standpoint. Sure, McCarthy did just have his best overall game this past Sunday against the Washington Commanders, completing a career-best 69.6 percent of his passes for 163 yards with a career-high three touchdown passes against zero interceptions, marking his first-ever turnover-free stat line.
But one game isn't going to stop Minnesota from looking at all options this offseason. The biggest issue with Darnold would be money.
The Vikings have major salary cap issues and would have to rework several of their current contracts to free up the kind of cash it would take to bring him back. And then there's the obvious PR nightmare that comes with admitting they made a mistake in letting him go in the first place.
The likelihood of a reunion is low, of course, but you just never say never in the NFL anymore.