Will the Minnesota Vikings bring Sam Darnold back in 2025? Everyone has been asking the question as the Vikings have made a furious run for the NFC’s top seed in the postseason.
KSTP 5 Eyewitness News’s Darren “Doogie” Wolfson joined Skor North on Tuesday for his weekly “Scoops” session, where he shared his opinion on Darnold’s 2025 status.
When asked what he thought about reports about the Vikings wanting Darnold back in 2025, Wolfson replied, “I do think the franchise tag is very much a viable option.”
Wolfson added, “I do not think the franchise tag was an option… two-and-a-half months ago.”
The franchise tag for QBs in 2025 would be around $41 million, according to OverTheCap.com. This would allow the Vikings to see if Darnold can replicate himself without tying themselves to him long-term. It’s also cost-effective in the short-term, still giving them plenty of cap space to spend on other free agents.
Tagging Darnold wouldn’t guarantee he would be returning to Minnesota, though. Wolfson cited a weak quarterback draft class and said that QB-needy teams could look to trade for Darnold.
These teams included the 49ers, Rams, Browns, Raiders, and even a reunion with the Jets. But Wolfson emphasized that Darnold would have a big say in where he would go.
“Let me remind you about Darnold, too; he’s not getting traded anywhere without his powerful representation at Creative Arts Agency having a big say, right?” Wolfson said. “So they’re not trading him to the Jets unless Sam [and] his representation give [the Vikings] that green light.”
The tag-and-trade scenario makes sense for the Vikings. Darnold has played too well at the sport’s most important position to let him walk away without getting compensation.
Darnold was with the 49ers in 2023 when he backed up Brock Purdy. His familiarity with the system could be attractive to both sides. The Rams run a similar system to the Vikings, and although Matthew Stafford is still playing at a high level, he will be 37 in 2025. These seem like the most logical trade partners right now.
Minnesota holds just three picks in the 2025 draft: a first-round pick and two fifth-rounders. Darnold would likely net at least a second-round pick and potentially a first-round pick.
For now, Darnold’s future remains fluid as the Vikings push for a Super Bowl.