It’s always a wild ride in the NFL. But this one feels like a plot twist straight out of a sports drama. Sam Darnold was thought to be simply keeping the seat warm for the Vikings. But he is suddenly the talk of the offseason. And no, it’s not just about his dazzling performance in 2024. It’s also about his future, as the Vikings now find themselves at a crossroads. So what’s next for Darnold and the Vikings? Well, the QB is surely not losing any sleep over it…

It’s safe to say that Darnold’s future with the Vikings is anything but certain. The team faces a tough choice. Hand him a $100+ million contract. Use the franchise tag. Or the ultimate decision? Let him walk. Rookie JJ McCarthy is waiting for his shot. However, Minnesota is low on 2025 draft picks. Hence, a “tag-and-trade” option could be the middle ground. Analyst Sam Ekstrom commented, “There’s not a lot of precedent for a quarterback of this age, coming off the season he had—especially when there might be mutual agreement between the player and the team that it will be a tag-and-trade situation going in.” However, Darnold’s value has taken a hit after some blowout losses during the 2024 season.

The Vikings’ quarterback lit up the field in 2024—starting the season with a five-game winning streak. He earned the NFL Most Improved Player honor and also his first Pro Bowl nod. He threw for a career-high 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, helping the team reach a stellar 14-3 record. But his performances in those crucial last games faltered, leaving to questions about his ability to lead under pressure. Co-host Luke Inman of the Locked On Sports Minnesota podcast shared a grim take: “Now your market feels like a third-rounder, late second at the very best. Like, that’s the dream.”

Now, add to that Darnold’s latest Instagram post, and it feels somewhat like a parting/gratitude note. On January 24, the 27-year-old shared a trio of pictures from his days in 2024 as a starting quarterback for ‘The Purple and Gold’. While the photos and the caption flaunted celebratory cheer, some also read between the lines—especially given the dicey situation Darnold finds himself in.

“Year 7… So grateful for my teammates, coaches, and the entire organization. We created memories and relationships that will last a lifetime and we got to do it in front of the best fanbase in the world,” he wrote in the heartfelt caption, before also adding the mandatory “#SKOL”—the Minnesota Vikings’ war chant, and rally cry. Now, whether it’s a parting note or not…you decide. But before we let you do that…

On January 19, ESPN’s Benjamin Solak made some very hopeful predictions for the QB’s future. “I really, truly believe the Vikings will extend Darnold. They have the room for something in the Daniel Jones neighborhood—four years, $160 million is probably optimal if they can get Darnold to sign before another team offers him a blockbuster deal. Depending on the size of the contract, they’ll either keep McCarthy or quietly trade him ahead of a weak quarterback draft class and see if a desperate team bites.” 

Even HC Kevin O’Connell has shown unwavering support for Darnold despite the recent struggles. So, where do the Vikings go from here?

Their 2025 draft cupboard is nearly empty. And Darnold’s contract could complicate future moves. The teams across the league are desperate for quarterbacks. Hence, a well-negotiated trade might be the best play. The question is, can they pull it off?

Kevin O’Connell’s role in the decision

O’Connell, in the second week of January, praised Darnold. He said Sam has “a special place” in his heart because of the way he played this season. However, he admitted the closing performances weren’t up to the mark. “I just want to say it’s very important we all think about Sam’s body of work, what he was able to do this year, when not many people thought he would be able to lead a team to 14 wins,” O’Connell said. O’Connell’s words reveal the internal conflict. An emotional connection to a QB who elevated the team. But also a need to stay practical about the franchise’s long-term goals.

“It did not work out in the end, and I think Sam would be the first one to tell you. Could he have played better tonight? I’m sure he would tell you he could have. Could I have coached better? I’m positive I could have,” the HC added. O’Connell’s stance on Darnold could be the deciding factor. They’ve had a transformative season. O’Connell praised the QB’s growth and leadership. But he also hinted at broader concerns. His comments suggest he’s weighing not just Darnold’s recent form but also the team’s overall trajectory.

Minnesota has salary cap space to make moves. But GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah leans toward building through the draft. Splurging on Darnold might not align with the team’s strategy with rookie JJ McCarthy developing and a loaded QB draft class in 2025. As NFL insider Adam Schefter noted, “If he [Sam] doesn’t get a fair offer from the Vikings, he could say, ‘I’m not gonna sign that.’”

If Darnold is tagged and traded, it could net the Vikings much-needed picks. If not, they risk losing him for nothing. Darnold’s Instagram post leaves fans and analysts speculating. Was it a genuine thank-you or a calculated move to spark action? Either way, the Vikings’ offseason just got a whole lot more interesting.