:Why the Vikings Should Not Re-Sign QB Sam Darnold
The Minnesota Vikings are facing a difficult decision this offseason: whether or not to re-sign quarterback Sam Darnold. After a surprising breakout season in 2024, Darnold has proven that he can still be a productive NFL quarterback. However, there are several reasons why the Vikings should not re-sign him.
1. The Vikings Have a Young Quarterback in J.J. McCarthy
The Vikings selected J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he is the future of the franchise at the quarterback position. Re-signing Darnold would only stunt McCarthy’s development. It would also be unfair to Darnold, who deserves a chance to start somewhere else.
2. Darnold’s Contract Demands Will Be High
Darnold is coming off a career year, and he is going to be looking for a big payday in free agency. The Vikings may not be willing to pay him what he is worth, especially if they are committed to McCarthy as their long-term starter.
3. The Vikings Have Other Needs
The Vikings have a number of other needs on their roster, and they may not be able to afford to spend a lot of money on a backup quarterback. They could use the money to improve their defense or offensive line.
4. Darnold’s Playoff Performance Was Disappointing
While Darnold had a good regular season, he struggled in the playoffs. This is a red flag for the Vikings, who are looking for a quarterback who can lead them to the Super Bowl.
5. The Vikings Could Find a Better Backup Option
There are a number of other quarterbacks who would be happy to be a backup for the Vikings. The Vikings could find a cheaper and more experienced option who would be happy to mentor McCarthy.
Conclusion
The Vikings have a tough decision to make regarding Sam Darnold. However, it is probably in the best interests of both the team and the player to move on. The Vikings need to focus on developing McCarthy, and Darnold deserves a chance to start somewhere else.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Darnold’s age (27) is not a major factor in this decision. He is still relatively young and has plenty of time to develop into a star quarterback.
- The Vikings could trade Darnold to another team. This would give them some compensation for losing him, and it would also open up a roster spot for another player.
- The Vikings could also release Darnold. This would save them some money, but it would also mean losing a valuable asset.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to re-sign Sam Darnold is up to the Vikings. However, it is important to weigh all of the factors before making a decision.
I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.