The Minnesota Vikings have officially confirmed the departure of their No. 1 key player, quarterback Sam Darnold. After weeks of speculation, the team has acknowledged that Darnold will not be returning for the 2025 season, leaving a significant void at the quarterback position.
Darnold, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings during the 2024 offseason, had a standout year with career-best numbers, including 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns. Despite his impressive performance, his play in the final games of the season, including a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card, led to uncertainty regarding his future in Minnesota.
Recent reports have linked Darnold to the Seattle Seahawks, particularly after the team traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. Sources suggest that a deal between Darnold’s representatives and Seattle may already be in the works, despite potential tampering concerns.
The Vikings were hoping to keep Darnold but struggled to reach an agreement over contract length, as Darnold is reportedly seeking a three-year deal. The Seahawks, who have shown interest, could be ready to meet those demands, making it likely that Darnold will leave Minnesota for a fresh start.
With Darnold’s departure now confirmed, the Vikings will shift focus to finding a new quarterback, with first-round pick J.J. McCarthy poised to potentially play a role in the team’s future plans. This marks a crucial turning point for the Vikings as they look to adapt for the 2025 season.