Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Steelers Reportedly Make Decision On Offer To Sam Darnold

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Mar 9, 2025 6:07 PM ET

After a standout 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings, Sam Darnold appears to be on the move.

Darnold, who was signed to a one-year deal in Minnesota, threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, making the Pro Bowl and helping to lead the Vikings to a 14-3 record. Despite this output, Minnesota elected not to franchise tag the former No. 3 overall pick, and is reportedly content to let Darnold walk in free agency.

Seattle is already listed as a popular potential destination for Darnold following Friday's trade of Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, but Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Sunday that the Pittsburgh Steelers are "expected to make an offer" to the 27-year-old signal caller.

"Many around the league believe Darnold will wind up in Seattle, but Pittsburgh is doing its due diligence on any potential options ahead of the new league year," Russini wrote.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 8: Justin Jefferson #18 and Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings look on against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Last season, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields handled the QB duties for the Steelers. Both are set to be free agents, and while the Steelers reportedly have some interest in keeping Fields, the New York Jets are also said to be pursuing the 2021 first-round pick.

As a result, the Steelers clearly want to keep other options on the table, and it sounds like Darnold is one of them. We'll see if they consider Aaron Rodgers as well, as SNY's Connor Hughes suggested Sunday.

"The potential Vikings opening is the biggest curveball in this. Giants didn’t foresee that — which is why Rodgers - NYG went from perceived lock to up in air. Watch the Steelers, too, if Justin Fields lands with Jets," Hughes tweeted.

The "legal tampering" period begins tomorrow, meaning teams and agents can officially begin talking deals. Of course, with these conversations going on behind-the-scenes (illegally) for the last few weeks, it won't take long before some agreements are reported on.

Free agent contracts can become official starting on Wednesday when the 2025 league year officially gets underway.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: