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Vikings Predicted to Make Major Decision Involving QB Sam Darnold

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Licata | Last updated Jan 5, 2025 1:22 PM ET

The immediate future of the Minnesota Vikings (14-2) hangs in the balance ahead of Sunday night's regular season finale against the Detroit Lions (14-2). The winner essentially takes all entering the postseason: The NFC North title, the NFC's No. 1 playoff seed and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Whether Minnesota's season ends with a Super Bowl title or a few weeks short of it, the organization has arguably the most fascinating offseason puzzle to solve in the months ahead.

At the center is starting quarterback Sam Darnold, who has drastically outperformed his current one-year, $10 million contract in his first season with the team. The Vikings also selected former Michigan star J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, though his rookie campaign was cut short in the preseason due to a torn meniscus.

Looking ahead, sports contract site Spotrac put together "Bold Resolutions for 10 NFL Players" in 2025. Managing editor Michael Ginnitti forecasted a hypothetical two-part scenario that would trade away one of Minnesota's quarterbacks.

"Prediction: The Vikings apply a $39M+ franchise tag on Sam Darnold, then trade J.J. McCarthy to the Las Vegas Raiders days before the NFL Draft. Darnold and the Vikings agree on a 4 year, $196M extension before the July 15 deadline that includes $110M guaranteed," Ginnitti wrote.

The predicted $196 million contract extension for Darnold would place the 27-year-old 10th among active quarterbacks in average annual value ($49 million) and tied-eighth in guaranteed money at signing ($110 million).

Entering Week 18, Spotrac projects the Vikings to have $78 million in salary cap space in 2025, seventh-most of any NFL team.

On the other side, the Raiders are projected to have the No. 8 draft pick after winning their previous two games. That could put Las Vegas out of striking distance for top prospects Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.

A McCarthy trade could solve some long-term questions, though a potential head coaching change away from Antonio Pierce remains a factor. Still, former Michigan alum Tom Brady is now a minority owner and will have a "huge voice" in the team's future, according to majority owner Mark Davis.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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