Should Vikings change QB plans in 2025?

Through his first 13 starts, Darnold is 11-2, ranks sixth in the league in passing yards (3,299) and is tied for third in touchdown passes (28). Despite his impressive stats, ESPN's Bill Barnwell doesn't expect him to return to Minnesota in 2025.

"The Vikings don't know what they have in McCarthy, but the one thing they can say with some confidence is that their quarterback-in-waiting will be cheaper," wrote Barnwell in a Monday column. "McCarthy will be entering Year 2 of a four-year, $21.9 million deal that will have a cap hit of just under $5 million next season."

Spotrac projects Darnold's market value is a four-year deal worth $34.4M annually. Minnesota could also franchise-tag him, but that seems unlikely. 

The Vikings will have $78.6M in cap room in 2025, according to Spotrac. They may use this money to sign other starters, including cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., who's third in the league in interceptions (six in 13 games). 

Perhaps Darnold would change Minnesota's plans if he continues flourishing and leads the team on a deep playoff run. 

McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury in preseason. Schultz recently told FS1's Colin Cowherd that McCarthy is "ahead of schedule," even though he underwent a "minor, nonsurgical procedure"on Nov. 13.

If McCarthy has another setback, the Vikings will need a quality starter. They recently signed former Giants QB Daniel Jones, but Darnold seems a better option. 

This offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100M deal after he made his first Pro Bowl last season. The Vikings should consider doing the same with Darnold. 

The 27-year-old would provide a contingency plan if McCarthy suffered more injuries. The Vikings could also trade Darnold for draft capital.