Initially projected to land a deal worth over $40 million per year, Darnold’s struggles in a 31-9 Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions and a 27-9 wild-card defeat to the Los Angeles Rams have raised concerns about his long-term viability.
He completed just 43.6% of his passes against Detroit and was sacked nine times by Los Angeles, leaving front offices questioning whether his early-season success was sustainable.
Sam Darnold's projected average salary just climbed back over $50 million after these 2 minutespic.twitter.com/OUcBX1t3OB
— The Viking Age (@TheVikingAge) January 31, 2025
Despite throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record, Darnold’s late-season collapse has changed the perception of his value.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that executives now believe his market will be closer to Baker Mayfield’s three-year, $100 million contract rather than the $40 million-plus annual salary he was once expected to command.
Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and Cleveland Browns could still have interest, but all hold top draft picks and may opt for a younger quarterback such as Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders instead of making a major financial commitment to Darnold.
Your 2024 Comeback Player of the Year is @Vikings' QB Sam Darnold, as voted on by NFL on FOX fans! 💪 pic.twitter.com/13Kf3mxgD3
— NFL on FOX Podcast (@NFLonFOXPod) January 31, 2025
Darnold, who made his first Pro Bowl, remains uncertain about his next move. "I’ve put a little bit of thought into it," he told SiriusXM NFL Radio. "I’m not gonna share anything about what I’ve been thinking or the conversations I’ve had behind closed doors. There’s obviously a lot that’s gonna happen still, even after the Super Bowl."
With the Vikings expected to hand the starting job to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, Darnold will have to find a new home—but the once-booming market for him may not be as strong as anticipated.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
