Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Weak 2025 NFL Draft class is good news for Sam Darnold

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Dec 17, 2024 6:42 PM ET

It's slim pickings for quarterback-needy teams in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. This spring's seller's market is incredible news for Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.

Amid a breakout season, Darnold, who is playing on a one-year contract, has positioned himself for a massive raise this offseason. An underwhelming crop of quarterback draft prospects could drive the demand for Darnold's services further.

During the Falcons-Raiders "Monday Night Football" game, ESPN displayed a graphic of draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.'s top five quarterbacks, emphasizing the grim forecast for teams wanting to make a change at the position.

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Outside of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Miami quarterback Cam Ward, no other QB is worth a first-round pick.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is an inconsistent passer, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck led the SEC with 12 interceptions, while Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers regressed against tougher SEC competition after previously feasting in the Big 12.

The Raiders, Titans, Giants, Steelers and Colts are among the teams that could potentially need a starting quarterback next season. The Vikings, too, if they don't want to rush 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy into the starting role.

In a recent article, ESPN staff writer Kevin Seifert wrote, "Darnold has played well enough to leave the Vikings more open-minded about their 2025 plans than many realize."

"They have not ruled out offering him a contract for next season," Seifert continued.

The Vikings are 12-2 and tied with the Lions (12-2) for first in the NFC North. Darnold is 288-of-426 (67.6%) for 3,530 yards (8.3 yards per attempt), 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Things will be even more dire for those in the quarterback market if he remains in Minnesota. The only way teams can avoid that is by giving Darnold an offer he can't refuse.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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