The Minnesota Vikings have a big decision to make regarding their quarterback room. Sam Darnold came out of nowhere and had the best season of his career, posting 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
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Darnold struggled in the final two games of the season, but those end-of-season struggles do not outweigh the proof that he is a viable starter. The issue is whether or not the Vikings will give him an extension or choose to move forward with rookie J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy unfortunately tore his ACL during preseason and was lost for the season. He was not named the starter before the injury, but losing an entire season is never ideal for a young quarterback who needs to get their professional bearings.
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That said, the Vikings have a choice to make: retain Darnold on a multi-year extension or allow McCarthy to take the reins if he is ready.
Darnold is going to get many suitors considering he is an unrestricted free agent, and showcased a spectacular comeback season. Here are the top three free agency fits if the Vikings do not resign him.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are in desperate need of a quarterback. Considering Tom Brady is a minority owner and is already in the mix of making big decisions for the team, like trying to get Bill Belichick to be the head coach — it would make sense that he would want the team to take a long look at Darnold.
The Raiders were stuck with Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder during their 4-13 2024 season. Minshew had some success, but the team’s overall output on offense and defense wasn’t great.
With a perennial tight end in Brock Bowers, Darnold could link up with the young star plenty and often to jumpstart the new-look Raiders.
New York Jets
The New York Jets have already moved on from Aaron Rodgers, and the organization has plenty of experience with Darnold, as he played for the team during his first three seasons in the pros.
Darnold did not perform anywhere near as good as he did with the Vikings when he was with the Jets, but New York certainly has the kinds of playmakers that would link up well with Darnold’s arm.
Darnold rejoining the Jets would potentially make Davante Adams want to remain as well. With Adams, fellow star receivers Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams, along with running back Bryce Hall linking up with Darnold’s big play ability, this Jets offense could become dangerous.
New York Giants
Much like the Raiders, the New York Giants desperately need a starting quarterback. Now, putting this as a team that Darnold might go to might sound a bit strange considering the consensus is they will draft Shedeur Sanders, but he might not be NFL-ready.
Any team who drafts a collegiate prospect will have to make a decision on their abilities at the pro level. Look at the aforementioned McCarthy situation. He was not ready, and Darnold took over. That might be the case with Sanders.
Darnold is likely looking for a job where he can start, but maybe he signs a lucrative one-year deal with the Giants to teach Sanders. Then again, the Giants might skip Sanders in lieu of another playmaker like Malik Nabers.
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