Where Does Vikings QB Sam Darnold Rank Among 2025 NFL Free Agents?

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Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

Sam Darnold has been everything the Minnesota Vikings needed this season, and more. He signed as a bridge quarterback, for a modest $10 million. This offseason, though, he will be seeking a long-term home, a more permanent starting job and a much larger payday.

There is almost no circumstance where it makes sense for Darnold to return for Minnesota. J.J. McCarthy was drafted to be this team’s future and he’s expected to take the reins next season. That means, every game, every snap, 2024 Sam Darnold is either putting money in, or taking it out of his 2025 pocket.

Is Sam Darnold the best QB on 2025 free agent market?

It’s not often that a 28-year-old starting quarterback hits the open market. Due to adverse circumstances in New York and Carolina, the former USC star had a slow start to his NFL career. His recovery started in San Francisco and he has mostly thrived in much more ideal circumstances with the Vikings.

Sam Darnold - Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

There are a lot of games left to play, this season, thus plenty still left to be decided. But for now, Sam Darnold sits near the top of the 2025 free agent rankings. ESPN has Sam tagged as the NFL’s best free agent quarterback, and 8th best free agent overall.

8. Sam Darnold, QB

“Darnold has completed 68.6% of his throws, and his 17 touchdown passes are tied for fourth in the league. His decision-making can still be questioned here, and he has thrown at least one interception in seven of nine games played this season. But with his arm strength and mobility, Darnold will have options on the market if he can produce over the second half of the season.”

NFL Expert Matt Bowen on Sam Darnold (ESPN)

On the season, Sam Darnold has thrown for 2,141 yards, wit a 68.6% completion rate, easily the highest of his career. His 17 touchdowns have already tied his career high, which came as a rookie, in New York.

Related: Would a Super Bowl Victory Land Sam Darnold Back in MN? Vikings Insider (PA) Says No…

Darnold has also leads the league in interceptions with 10, after his three interception performance vs Jacksonville. The next best quarterback on ESPN’s list, Justin Fields (18), hasn’t had the same opportunity and won’t bring the shiny new resume to the table.

Other teams watching the Minnesota Vikings QB

If Sam can continue to rack up victories, and erase some of his questionable decision-making, there will be suitors lining up for his services this offseason. Jeremy Fowler knows Darnold won’t be back for the Vikings, but his next employer will use his play this year to determine his worth, come March.

“Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell has deemed injured rookie J.J. McCarthy (knee) the franchise’s quarterback of the future, which seemingly sets the stage for Darnold to sign elsewhere. But Darnold and Minnesota are 7-2 together, so entertaining a bridge deal while the team continues to develop McCarthy behind the scenes shouldn’t be completely off the table. Darnold’s decision-making on the field down the stretch will determine a lot about his future.”

Jeremy Fowler on Sam Darnold (ESPN)

Related: Vikings DC Brian Flores Confirms: He Wants to be a Head Coach Again

There are still a few cupcake matchups on the Vikings schedule the rest of the way. Darnold would be best served to take full advantage of those opportunities. He has flashed plenty of positive moments this season, and the near-70% completion rating is a massive boost for his future.

Quite literally, Darnold is controlling his own future right now with the Minnesota Vikings. There’s some serious implications tied to the next eight games. Don’t worry, it’s just life-altering stuff for Darnold to work through.

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