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The QB carousel is turning and now the media jackals are all predicting/assuming Sam Darnold is going to sign with the Seahawks after they trade Geno Smith to the Raiders for a 3rd round pick. The connection makes a ton of sense because Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak worked with Darnold in 2023 as San Francisco’s passing game coordinator. The question is would Darnold view the Seahawks as a good situation to pilot? DK Metcalf wants a trade and they just released Tyler Lockett which was understandable due to his contract and age (maybe). What else do they have that is attractive besides a new deal? In one of the links below it says that Smith wanted 40M per year and is due 31M this year. Do they think they can get Darnold for less than Geno? Geno is going to be 35 years old this year so there is that huge difference with Darnold.
I am loving all of this right now because it would be quite boring otherwise. I do not know what the plan is in Seattle but it may be that Darnold does not have a better situation out there. If he does return here (and the Vikings apparently have an offer on the table), he will battle with JJ (doubtful to be honest) to be the starter and have fans and media jackals clamoring for JJ after every interception or subpar offensive performance. I know fans and media folks like to talk about this as being a tough situation but this is the nature of the game for every position. If you are not playing well, you can get pulled out of the game. Players have been dealing with this on all levels. I think he will be fine with playing or getting replaced.
Sam Darnold has a very interesting decision to make. I am going to guess he returns here for however long and that he will embrace the competition for the starting QB spot although he should have it after winning 14 games last year. It gives the Vikings a strong (assuming JJ is not another Kyle Sloter – DN Preseason HOFer) QB room which is critical for a 17 game season.
Minnesota Vikings News and Links
Schefter No Longer Buying Sam Darnold + Vikings Rumors; Raiders Want JJ McCarthy
One of the most trusted NFL insiders to throw gas on this week’s ‘Darnold could return to the Vikings’ fire was ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reported on Wednesday that Sam landing back in Minnesota is what “makes the most sense”.
On Friday, however, Schefty got on KFAN Radio with his buddy, Vikings radio VOX, Paul Allen, where he very much walked his previous report back. Now, Adam believes the opposite of what he reported just two days ago, telling PA, “I don’t view [Sam Darnold returning] as a likely scenario, right now.”
PA: “If it were a 0-10, what number would you put on [Sam Darnold being] the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings next year?”
Schefter: “Not high… not high. Again, as we go over all these scenarios, they’re all in play. But I think [returning to] the Vikings is a down low scenario. I don’t view [Sam Darnold returning] as a likely scenario, right now.”
‘All Signs Point’ to Vikings QB Sam Darnold Inking Unexpected Contract
The Minnesota Vikings are trying to walk a fine line with Sam Darnold. That has left the door open for the Seattle Seahawks.
Seattle agreed to trade Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders are a popular speculative landing spot for Darnold amid influence from NFL legend Tom Brady and a coaching staff led by Pete Caroll and including Chip Kelly. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio believes Seattle would not have traded Smith without a “clear plan” to replace him,
Florio pointed to Darnold as “the most obvious candidate” after playing well against them in Week 16 of the regular season.
Florio followed up with an article saying “all signs point” to Darnold landing in Seattle.
“Darnold could be something more than the name at the top of a wish list. It’s possible a deal is already in place between the Seahawks and Darnold’s agents. (Yes, it would be tampering. No, the NFL doesn’t care 999 out of 1,000 times.),” Florio wrote on March 7. “As one source put it on Friday night, Smith wanted $40 million per year, and the Seahawks believed they could replace him for $30 million.”
However, contract length could be the greatest hurdle the Vikings must clear to keep Darnold.
“Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak coached Sam Darnold so there is familiarity,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini posted following the Raiders’ trade. “Let’s see if Seattle will be willing to give Darnold at least a three year contract, which is what he’s looking for at his next stop.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Darnold’s situation was one of “several needles to thread” for the Vikings, who have 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings.
“The idea of Sam Darnold going to Seattle has a lot of traction in league circles, as a sort of second-order move to the @Seahawks trade of Geno Smith,” The Monday Morning Quarterback’s Albert Breer reported on X on March 7. “We’ll see if it happens … but that would obviously set off some more dominoes.”
The rumored price point to sign Darnold has fluctuated. Spotrac projects Darnold could command a deal worth $160.5 million over four years. Over The Cap projects the Vikings have $62.8 million to spend.
Tom Pelissero: Vikings have a contract offer out to Sam Darnold
Amid ongoing rumors that Sam Darnold’s free agent market isn’t as strong as expected, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has reported that the Vikings have put an offer on the table for Darnold.
The question, of course, is what that offer looks like. Is it a one-year deal? A two-year deal that the Vikings could get out of next offseason if needed? Is it for $25, maybe $30 million per year? Any commitment greater than that seems unlikely from Minnesota, given that J.J. McCarthy is waiting in the wings as their future franchise quarterback. Given that Darnold’s camp hasn’t accepted the Vikings’ offer, it feels fair to assume it isn’t a huge one.
“The Vikings have an offer out to him,” Pelissero said on the Rich Eisen Show on Friday. “They have been in talks. They chose not to use the franchise tag, which is probably a pretty good indication that Sam Darnold’s market is a little bit lighter than what people had been expecting on the outside. Does Sam Darnold decide to go back on effectively a one-year deal in Minnesota and be the guy until he’s not the guy, with J.J. McCarthy sitting there breathing down his neck? Does he decide, I’m gonna go someplace else, whether that’s on another one-year deal or it’s on a multi-year deal?”
It’s a fascinating situation. Darnold may like the idea of running it back with Minnesota, where he gets to work with Kevin O’Connell and Justin Jefferson, but McCarthy’s presence complicates things. It would seem to be an easy decision if another team makes him a stronger offer that sets him up to be their unquestioned starter for the next couple years, but will such an opportunity present itself?
“There are several teams that have an interest level in Sam Darnold, but I don’t get the sense that there’s somebody blowing him away with a monster multi-year contract, otherwise you probably already would’ve had the Vikings pivoting off of that and going to the next thing,” Pelissero continued. “So that’s one of the big dominos here, which in turn impacts the likes of Daniel Jones, who would be — in all likelihood — plan B (for the Vikings), in addition to obviously having J.J. McCarthy there.”
QB Sam Darnold not expected to re-sign with Vikings
It appears the Sam Darnold era in Minnesota will be a one-off.
Darnold is not expected to return to the Vikings, who are now focused on other quarterback options they’ve been pursuing in recent weeks, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported Saturday, per sources.
3 thoughts on Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy as Vikings’ decision approaches
Since the tag deadline passed, the buzz is that QB-needy teams — perhaps afraid of “the real Sam Darnold” being the guy who showed up in the final two games of the Vikings’ season — aren’t that interested in giving him a contract worth $40-plus million per year, which is the going rate for quality starting quarterbacks in today’s game.
Earlier this week, the news that Darnold wasn’t being tagged came with a concerted narrative push from various prominent insiders that suggested the Vikings are still in discussions with Darnold’s camp on a deal to keep him in Minnesota. Really, it feels a lot like the Cousins situation last year. Minnesota may legitimately have interest in retaining their veteran starting quarterback, but it would have to be at their price.
Aaron Rodgers, Vikings Reported Interest Has Everybody Making Brett Favre Jokes
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the Vikings are considered a “dark horse” in the Rodgers sweepstakes while The Athletic’s Dianna Russini said the Vikings “could show interest” in Rodgers if they are unable to re-sign Daniel Jones.
Vikings free-agency predictions: What will they do with Sam Darnold, Byron Murphy, others?
Sam Darnold
Prediction: Signs elsewhere in free agency
Byron Murphy Jr.
Prediction: Signs extension with Minnesota
Aaron Jones
Prediction: Signs extension with Minnesota
Camryn Bynum
Prediction: Signs elsewhere in free agency
Report: Najee Harris ‘is on the Vikings’ radar’
If the Minnesota Vikings can’t re-sign running back Aaron Jones, a name to watch is Najee Harris, according to Darren Wolfson of KSTP-TV.
“Continue to hear, the Vikings having dialogue with Drew Rosenhaus, the Rosenhaus representation with Aaron Jones in mind. What is that price point? I don’t think the Vikings are going beyond $7 million on Aaron Jones. It may even be a tick less than that,” Wolfson said Thursday Minnesota Sports with Mackey & Judd.
“But the Vikings want Aaron Jones back. That is priority No. 1. If they have to pivot, if Jones ends up elsewhere, Najee Harris. My understanding is Najee Harris, a free agent, is on the Vikings’ radar.”
If the Vikings don’t want to pay Jones more than $7 million, how much are they going to offer a younger back like Harris, who is about turn 27 while Jones will be 31 in December?
Former NFL agent Joel Corry recently wrote for CBS Sports that Harris could get a three-year, $30 million deal in free agency. $10 million per season for a running back who has been slightly above average during his career? Minnesota has money to spend, but is that where they want to invest it?
Jones rushed 255 times for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns while adding 51 receptions for 408 yards and two touchdowns. Harris, in his fourth season with Pittsburgh, finished with 266 carries for 1,043 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 36 receptions for 283 yards.
Vikings predicted to pull off blockbuster trade for Jets $9 million superstar
If Jones and the Vikings part ways for any reason, Pro Football Network’s Sterling Xie predicts Minnesota will pull off a blockbuster trade with the New York Jets for running back Breece Hall.
“But even if Jones returns, he’ll be 30 years old, coming off a career-low in yards per carry (albeit still a healthy 4.5 average),” Xie wrote. “Hall recovered from a horrid start to finish strong, averaging 4.6 yards per carry over his final nine games. He would also bring enticing big-play ability to a Vikings offense that ranked 23rd in explosive run rate last year (only 10.7% of their rush attempts gained 10+ yards).”
It remains to be seen if the Jets would even be willing to trade Hall. After all, he’s a key piece in New York’s offense.
But he’s also entering the final year of his rookie contract and if the Jets think he won’t re-up, they could look to deal him. The Jets also have a possible in-house replacement in Braelon Allen, a 2024 draft pick who managed to shine in his limited opportunities last season.
Broncos Predicted to Sign Vikings Running Back in Free Agency
In an article from Bleacher Report, the Broncos dipped into the free-agent pool. The Broncos were predicted to land former Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones.
Jones is coming off his eighth season in the NFL, where he put up 1,186 rushing yards, the third most he’s had in his career. However, his yards-per-attempt were the lowest he’s had at 4.4 yards per carry.
Jones isn’t just a runner, he also contributes in the passing game as a receiver. Head coach Sean Payton is looking for a “joker” to add to the offense. Jones can fill that role out of the backfield.
Analyst floats idea of Kirk Cousins reunion if Vikings can’t re-sign Sam Darnold
But there’s another familiar face who would also make some sense — former Vikings starter Kirk Cousins, who could be released by the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. That’s an idea NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah floated on the network on Thursday, and Jeremiah made an appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show Friday to clarify his thoughts on Cousins.
“I think people misinterpreted the Cousins thing, ‘Why would they bring back (Cousins) and not let (McCarthy) go?’” Jeremiah said on the ESPN show on Friday. “No, no, (McCarthy’s) gonna be the starter, but you have to have some veteran insurance there. First of all, the guy needs to stay healthy, and with Kirk Cousins, I just thought it was a unique opportunity for somebody … who knows the offense inside and out. Atlanta’s footing the bill, so it’s going to cost you nothing.”
The Minnesota Vikings are set to hit free agency with a massive amount of salary cap space. Before factoring in the extension of Theo Jackson, the Vikings will have $62.8 million in salary cap space to maneuver with.
They are likely to be big players in the market with a lot of cap space and multiple holes to fill. Defensive tackle is going to be a priority, but cornerback might be a bigger one with four of their players set to hit the open market: Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin, and Fabian Moreau.
Byron Murphy Jr.
Contract prediction: 4 years, $70 million, $38 million guaranteed
D.J. Reed
Contract prediction: 3 years, $42 million, $27 million guaranteed
Charvarius Ward
Contract prediction: 3 years, $43.5 million, $26 million guaranteed
Carlton Davis
Contract prediction: 3 years, $40 million, $23 million guaranteed
Paulson Adebo
Contract prediction: 2 years, $24 million, $14 million guaranteed
An Offseason Plan
.
I am going to continue to pound the drums for signing some players that have been released rather than signing unrestricted free agents.
Jonathan Allen is #1 in my book. He is 30 compared to Milton Williams who is 26. Allen will likely sign for 16-20M while Williams will likely get more. That is too much for me. Kendall Fuller is a decent corner and #2 in my book.
.
Starting Cap Space
2025: $60,391,543
2026: $99,908,844
.
Cut Ed Ingram (saves 3.325M)
Cut CJ Ham (saves 2.65M)
.
Extend Brian O’Neill 2 yr 38M (saves 11M)
Extend Josh Oliver – 3 yr 21M (saves 4.28M)
Extend Harrison Smith – 1 yr 8.255M (costs 7M)
Extend Cam Akers – 1 yr 2.17M
…
Sign Jonathan Allen (DL) – 3 yr 57M
Sign DJ Reed (CB) – 3 yr 48M
Sign Jourdan Lewis (CB) – 2 yr 8M
Sign Isaiah Rodgers (CB) – 2 yr 6M
Sign Patrick Mekari (LG) – 3 yr 33M
Sign Trystan Colon (RG) – 2 yr 7M
Sign Najee Harris RB – 3 yr 33M
Sign Elijah Moore WR – 1 yr 5M
…
Ending Cap Space
2025: $38,647,543
2026: $35,782,844
…
Still need a backup QB and could try to sign Javon Hargrave.
Yore Mock Draft
Trade Recap
Minnesota Receives: 2025: Round 2, Pick 36, 2025: Round 3, Pick 70, 2025: Round 6, Pick 196
Jacksonville Receives: 2025: Round 1, Pick 24
…
Minnesota Receives: 2025: Round 3, Pick 74, 2025: Round 5, Pick 141
Carolina Receives: 2025: Round 3, Pick 70
…
Minnesota Receives: 2025: Round 3, Pick 88, 2025: Round 6, Pick 184
Jacksonville Receives: 2025: Round 3, Pick 97, 2025: Round 5, Pick 161
…
Minnesota Receives: 2025: Round 4, Pick 135, 2025: Round 7, Pick 226
Miami Receives: 2025: Round 5, Pick 140, 2025: Round 6, Pick 196
…
Minnesota Receives: 2025: Round 5, Pick 150, 2025: Round 6, Pick 211
Dallas Receives: 2025: Round 5, Pick 141
…
36. Nick Emmanwori S South Carolina 6’3.1” 220
74. Tate Ratledge IOL Georgia 6’6.4” 308
88. Deone Walker DL Kentucky 6’7.3” 331
135. Jacob Parrish CB Kansas State 5’9.6” 191
150. D.J. Giddens RB Kansas State 6’0.02” 212
184. Jalen Rivers OT Miami (FL) 6’5.6” 319
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211. Isaac TeSlaa WR Arkansas 6’3.5” 214
226. Caleb Ransaw S Tulane 5’11.3” 197
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Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images
UDFA
Montrell Johnson RB Florida
Warren Brinson DT Georgia
Eric Gregory DT Arkansas
Jailin Walker LB Indiana
Cooper Mays C Tennessee
Dont’e Thornton WR Tennessee
Hunter Wohler S Wisonson
James Burnip P Alabama
Brant Kuithe TE Utah
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