NFL insider raises $40,000,000 question on Sam Darnold's future amid rumors of 2025 linkup with Sean McVay's LA Rams
It's safe to say Sam Darnold has been one of the most pleasant surprises this season alongside Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, New Orleans Saints OC Klint Kubiak and Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. When J.J. McCarthy went down with a torn meniscus prior to the start of the season, Minnesota Vikings were in full-blown panic mode.
But Sam Darnold flew in for the rescue. Not only did Darnold make sure the franchise wouldn't miss the rookie quarterback, but the former New York Jets signal-caller has the Vikings firmly in the running for the playoffs.
In his weekly mailbag, NFL insider Albert Breer addressed the Darnold situation and raised a pretty interesting hypothesis on how 2025 could play out. Breer wrote:
"Using the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2005 model is plausible, for sure—back then, San Diego franchise tagged Drew Brees, who’d had a fantastic ’04, and put Philip Rivers on ice for another year to best serve a ready-to-win roster. The Minnesota Vikings could tag Darnold, and give J.J. McCarthy a second redshirt year.
"It’ll just take a willingness to spend more than $40 million (on the tag) to do it."
To be fair, even if the Vikings franchise tags him at $40 million next year, that's a lot to pay for a backup quarterback who initially signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the franchise. It could all depend on what the Vikings see from him in the playoffs.
Darnold has been strongly linked with a move to the LA Rams considering he has a background in that style of offense. The Rams have also not yet committed to having Matthew Stafford back next year, having pushed all his money into 2024 to have some room to make a decision for both parties.
Where Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings stand in NFL playoff picture
With a 12-2 record entering Week 16's matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, the Vikings have booked their place in the NFL Playoffs by wrapping up the No. 2 spot in the NFC North behind the Detroit Lions. As things stand, they figure to be the No. 5 seed in the NFC.
There are still four spots up for grabs in the conference. The Buccaneers, Rams, Packers and Commanders are projected to fill those spots. The Seahawks, Falcons and Cardinals stand an outside chance of making the playoffs but if Seattle loses to Minnesota on Sunday, their playoff chances dip to 23%.