The emergence of Sam Darnold is a great story for the Minnesota Vikings. Going from a top draft pick to being regulated to backup duty and changing teams a few times raised some questions about his ability to be a competent starting quarterback in the NFL.
With Sam Darnold at the helm, the Vikings are off to an 8-2 start to the 2024 NFL season and look to be a likely playoff team. His play has given some hope that he could be a solid starter somewhere else once his one-year deal with Minnesota expires after this season.
Sam Darnold suggested as possible new starting QB for NFC East team in 2025
As a free agent in 2025, it is possible the Minnesota Vikings could choose to bring Sam Darnold back and continue to give J.J. McCarthy time to grow and develop, but there will likely be teams out there willing to pay him more to be behind center for them.
In fact, USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz recently shared the idea that an NFC East team could be the next franchise where Darnold throws passes. The quarterback situation for the New York Giants is a rough one, and they could definitely use some stability.
The Giants announced that quarterback Daniel Jones would be demoted and Tommy DeVito would be New York's starter. Unless DeVito lights it up with this opportunity, Big Blue will likely be looking for a quarterback in free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft.
Darnold with the Giants is an interesting idea since he will only be 28 years old when the 2025 NFL season rolls around. New York could evaluate him as a long-term answer or use him as a bridge quarterback until they can get a player they see as a future starter.
His free agency in 2025 will be an opportunity to get a big payday in the NFL. For 2024, Darnold is on a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings worth a total of $10 million. His play this season is opening the door for him to go to a team willing to give him a healthy contract, even if it's only for a year or two.
Even if Sam Darnold does not return to the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, he should be able to contribute to a team in 2025. It could be the New York Giants or any of a handful of teams looking for a quarterback. Either way, Darnold has the opportunity to continue to prove his doubters wrong.