Reasons the Vikings allowed Sam Darnold to depart in free agency for The Seahawks

Billy Heyen

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Why Vikings let Sam Darnold leave in free agency for Seahawks image

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

TL;DR

  • The Minnesota Vikings prioritized J.J. McCarthy over Sam Darnold for their future quarterback.
  • Sam Darnold revived his NFL career with the Vikings but faltered late in the season.
  • The Vikings drafted McCarthy and signed him, but an injury led to Darnold starting.
  • Darnold is now succeeding with the Seattle Seahawks while the Vikings face quarterback issues.

The Minnesota Vikings could've had a much different quarterback situation this season.

A glance at the quarterback situation at the close of the previous season, which featured Sam Darnold, the primary player, and Daniel Jones, who joined mid-season (alongside the injured J.J. McCarthy), is all that's needed.

Darnold and Jones have since achieved successful seasons as starting quarterbacks in different locations, specifically Seattle and Indianapolis.

With the Seahawks hosting Minnesota on Sunday in Week 13, it's beneficial to review the events concerning Darnold.

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What was the reason the Vikings allowed Sam Darnold to depart for The Seahawks?

Ultimately, the Vikings concluded that their commitment was to J.J. McCarthy as their future quarterback, rather than Sam Darnold.

Darnold experienced a successful season with Minnesota, serving as a comeback endeavor. He significantly revived his NFL career.

However, as the year concluded, Darnold faltered during a crucial Week 18 defeat and subsequently as the Vikings were eliminated from postseason contention.

Was that limited group of players the sole justification for Darnold's dismissal? Unlikely. However, the circumstances would undoubtedly have appeared distinct had he demonstrated superior performance during an extended playoff journey.

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Minnesota selected McCarthy with the tenth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, having acquired him from Michigan. He might have secured the starting position for 2024, but a knee injury sustained in August, which ended his season, automatically handed the role to Darnold.

Darnold ran with his opportunity, but the Vikings still wanted McCarthy to be the answer long-term.

The Seahawks signed Darnold to a three-year agreement worth $100.5 million during free agency, and the Vikings also chose against pursuing Aaron Rodgers. This would mean McCarthy's squad would head into the season, regardless of the outcome.

Thus far, it hasn't appeared to be the correct decision. McCarthy faced difficulties, then sustained an injury, subsequently returned and faltered once more, and is presently injured again.

The Minnesota team also saw backup Carson Wentz sidelined with a season-ending injury, meaning undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will be taking the field against the Seahawks.

Meanwhile, Darnold has Seattle at 8-3 and chasing a strong spot in the playoffs.

Minnesota took a gamble on letting Darnold walk, and it's looking like it might go down as a loss.

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Editorial Team