If Minnesota makes the wrong choice on Darnold's future, it could haunt the franchise for a generation. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has a few options. He can tag Darnold, let him walk, or re-sign him to a long-term contract in the Baker Mayfield vein.

The Minnesota Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 draft expecting him to be the team’s long-term solution at quarterback. Sam Darnold signed with the Vikings on a one-year deal that was meant to serve as a bridge until McCarthy was ready to start.

The Minnesota Vikings drafted quarterback J.J. McCarthy last year in hopes that he would be their new franchise QB after they let Kirk Cousins walk in free agency. However, McCarthy suffered a knee injury in the preseason and underwent two surgeries that caused him to miss the entire 2024 season.