With a weaker-than-normal crop of quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sam Darnold is the best quarterback available in NFL free agency. One team has become the clear favorite for Darnold out of all the teams in the NFL quarterback carousel. Within a week, there has been a significant shift in the mainstream view of Darnold’s landing position. There were rumors at the NFL Combine that the Pro Bowl quarterback might sign with the New York Giants or the Las Vegas Raiders. Days later, it looked more and more likely that he would rejoin the Minnesota Vikings.
Related: The Minnesota Vikings are looking for a new quarterback after moving away from Sam Darnold. 4,319 passing yards, 35-12 TD-INT, 66.2% completion rate, 7.9 yards per attempt, 102.5 QB rating, 212 running yards, and 1 touchdown are Sam Darnold’s 2024 (ESPN) numbers. The Raiders then traded for Geno Smith to fill their void. While considering the expense of trading up for the No. 1 pick, New York appears to be concentrating on Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers. As a result, many people in the league now consider a new favorite.
The NFL’s decision-makers are fully expecting Darnold to sign a multi-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Related: Sam Darnold is associated with four clubs Although the official tampering period before NFL free agency hasn’t begun, clubs do find methods to negotiate contract terms behind the scenes because there is mutual interest between the two parties. According to reports, Seattle offered Smith a three-year agreement for more than $35 million a season prior to the trade. It makes sense that Darnold may receive an offer of the same level.
The Vikings probably won’t be able to match the overall guarantees, particularly if the Seahawks’ offer is more like $40 million per season. According to NFL rumors, Seattle hopes that signing Darnold will persuade DK Metcalf to withdraw his trade request. Related: Forecasting where the best NFL free agent quarterbacks will land Darnold would be reunited with Klint Kubiak if he signed with the Seahawks. In 2023, the two collaborated with the San Francisco 49ers, where Kubiak was the coordinator of passing games. Earlier this offseason, he was appointed offensive coordinator for the Seahawks.
As for the Vikings, they would likely receive a third-round compensatory pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if Darnold signs a lucrative contract with Seattle. Minnesota has already pivoted to finding a replacement for Darnold, wanting a veteran to challenge J.J. McCarthy for the starting job in 2025.
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