Top Landing Spots for Sam Darnold in NFL Free Agency After Vikings Elimination
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The clock lastly struck midnight on CinderDarnold.
After having by far the very best season of his NFL profession, Sam Darnold tumbled in the Minnesota Vikings' 2 greatest video games of the season– the regular-season ending versus the Detroit Lions and a Wild Card Round blowout at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams.
While Darnold's season ended on a sour note, the 27-year-old still tossed for a career-high 4,319 lawns and 35 goals while leading Minnesota to the second-most regular-season wins in franchise history. Offered the number of NFL groups have concerns at quarterback, several suitors figure to be happy to look past the last 2 starts to the 16 that preceded it.
Darnold's upcoming totally free firm will be among the offseason's greatest stories– supplied the Vikings let things get that far. Minnesota isn't the only club that will possibly be in on the Sam Darnold Sweepstakes in 2025.
“Sam Darnold Sweepstakes.” There are 3 words nobody anticipated to be checking out (or typing) back in August.
Minnesota Vikings
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After Monday night's ordeal, the concept of Darnold going back to Minnesota might influence the tossing of curs, veggies and possibly a brick or more.
Yes, Darnold's last 2 getaways were terrible. Prior to that, he had quickly the finest season of his NFL profession. Head coach Kevin O'Connell raved about him all season long, too.
“Just to see how he's eventually had the ability to take full advantage of whatever about his chance, our football group likes him for it,” O'Connell informed press reporters. “I've had an outright blast training him.”
Yes, the Vikings invested a first-round tease Michigan's J.J. McCarthy in 2024. McCarthy has actually likewise never ever tossed an NFL pass that counted and is coming off a meniscus tear. And before anybody points out Daniel Jones as a possible bridge starter in 2025, keep in mind the knowledge of having “Daniel Jones” and “starter” in the very same sentence.
Provided how the last 2 video games played out, Darnold signing a long-lasting extension north of $45 million per season would most likely get Vikings basic supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah drug-tested. Darnold is a perfect prospect for the non-exclusive franchise tag.
That would provide Minnesota a variety of alternatives at a sensible wage. Tag-and-trade. Decline to match another deal and get 2 first-rounders in return. Or keep Darnold for another year while ensuring McCarthy is prepared to take the check 2026.
Vikings fans might not wish to hear this today. Darnold is most likely going to be tagged.
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It's barely a trick that the Las Vegas Raiders require a quarterback.
