Fans should be ready for an unpredictable free agent period this offseason. Some players will be changing teams and one of those players could be the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings last season.
There will always be teams looking up upgrade their situations at quarterback. When a young passer coming off an excellent season becomes available in free agency, huge contracts aren't out of the ordinary.
While it is still possible that Sam Darnold returns to the Vikings, it would be difficult for the purple and gold to match a huge, multi-year contract full of guaranteed money when they have J.J. McCarthy waiting for his opportunity to shine.
Former Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold returns to the dumpster fire in recent NFL offseason prediction
ESPN NFL analyst Aaron Schatz recently published an article that pairs each team with one free agent who could make an impact in 2025 and help them win. Schatz's choice for the New York Jets is quite interesting.
In the article, last year's starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings is suggested as a free agent signing for the Jets. Seeing Sam Darnold sign a contract that sends him back to New York would be quite a story.
Darnold was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Jets with that pick and started three seasons and won 13 games there before being traded to the Carolina Panthers for three draft picks.
Since Sam Darnold is only 27 years old, he could have a long future ahead of him in the NFL. Having a chance at a player who could be a franchise quarterback in free agency is an opportunity that needy teams dream about.
There would have to be a lot going on for this type of deal to happen. The Jets would need to admit that they failed Darnold the first time around and create an atmosphere where he would feel appreciated and supported. On the other hand, the young quarterback would need to shake off his history with the Jets and be willing to give the franchise another chance.
Of course, this all depends on the Jets' current situation with Aaron Rodgers. At the moment, Rodgers is entering the final year of his three-year deal with the Jets but that situation is not working out for either side. The organization has been a dumpster fire as of late and needs to focus on making some changes that will put the team in a position to win games.
Sam Darnold could be that guy for the New York Jets. If he can be the player he was during his time with the Minnesota Vikings, he would be a good option for the struggling AFC East franchise.