Vikings are urged to select an athletic quarterback worth $19 million to replace Sam Darnold.
As the Minnesota Vikings look ahead to the 2025 NFL season, their quarterback situation is one of the most pressing issues the franchise must address. With Kirk Cousins potentially on his way out due to age and salary cap constraints, and Sam Darnold serving as a bridge quarterback with a career that has not yet met expectations, the Vikings are facing a pivotal decision. The team needs to identify the next long-term solution at quarterback, a player who can lead them into the future, elevate the offense, and take advantage of the significant offensive weapons that Minnesota possesses.
While the Vikings have made progress under head coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, finding the right quarterback is crucial to their aspirations of competing for a Super Bowl in the coming seasons. While many have suggested Sam Darnold as a short-term solution, there is growing consensus that the Vikings should be targeting an athletic, high-upside quarterback who could offer a higher ceiling and long-term stability. A player who is expected to command around $19 million per season would ideally fit within the Vikings’ salary cap structure while providing the team with both immediate improvement and future potential.
Why Sam Darnold Isn’t the Long-Term Solution
Before diving into which quarterback the Vikings should target, it’s important to analyze why Sam Darnold may not be the right fit moving forward.
Darnold’s career in the NFL has been a tale of unrealized potential. Drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold showed promise early on but was never able to take the next step in his development. The Jets’ organizational instability, coupled with inconsistent coaching and a lack of offensive support, left Darnold struggling to develop as the team’s franchise quarterback. His lack of progress led to a trade to the Carolina Panthers in 2021, where he played in a system that did not suit his strengths. While he had some flashes of potential, injuries and a lack of consistency in his play ultimately led the Panthers to move on from him.
In 2023, Darnold was signed by the San Francisco 49ers, where he served as a backup. Although Darnold was never given a chance to start regularly in San Francisco, his overall performance has been average at best throughout his career. His decision-making and inability to read defenses consistently have plagued him, making it difficult for him to become the elite quarterback many expected him to be.
For the Vikings, who already have an established roster with Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook, and a solid offensive line, a quarterback like Darnold may not be enough to elevate the offense to championship contention. While Darnold can be a competent stopgap quarterback, Minnesota needs someone with more upside—someone who can unlock the full potential of the offense and elevate the team’s performance. This is where selecting a more athletic and dynamic quarterback could make all the difference.
The Case for an Athletic Quarterback Worth $19 Million
In the modern NFL, the importance of having a quarterback with mobility and athleticism cannot be overstated. While pocket passers remain valuable, the dynamic playmaking ability of athletic quarterbacks is becoming more of a standard. These quarterbacks not only possess the ability to extend plays with their legs but also offer an additional dimension to the offense with their dual-threat capabilities. Rushing yards, the ability to make quick decisions, and the ability to read defenses in real time all add layers to a quarterback’s value.
When considering the potential quarterbacks the Vikings could target, a few key traits should be prioritized:
- Mobility and Athleticism: A mobile quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and legs is highly coveted in today’s NFL. Such a quarterback forces defenses to account for more than just passing lanes, creating opportunities for big plays in both the run and pass game.
- Big-Game Potential: The Vikings need a quarterback who has the ability to thrive under pressure and make plays in crucial moments. Whether it’s in the playoffs or during critical regular-season matchups, the team needs a leader who will rise to the occasion and deliver when it counts.
- Youth and Development: Ideally, the Vikings will target a quarterback with a high ceiling, one who is still early enough in his career to grow and develop within the system. A long-term solution is preferable to another stopgap, so it’s important to identify quarterbacks who have the potential to be elite.
- Financial Flexibility: With a $19 million cap hit, the Vikings would need to find a quarterback who can deliver elite play at a relatively affordable price. The $19 million salary range fits within the structure of most mid-level starting quarterbacks, offering enough room for the team to build other areas of the roster.
With these criteria in mind, the Vikings could target a few key quarterbacks in both the draft and free agency who could be worth that price tag and help lead the team into the future.
Potential Targets: Athletic Quarterbacks Worth $19 Million
1. J.J. McCarthy – Michigan (NFL Draft)
J.J. McCarthy has emerged as one of the top quarterback prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. McCarthy is an athletic and mobile quarterback who can make all the throws, and his skill set fits perfectly in today’s pass-first, dual-threat NFL. He has demonstrated the ability to make plays outside the pocket, extending plays with his legs and finding receivers on the move. With a strong arm and the ability to read defenses, McCarthy has the potential to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL.
What sets McCarthy apart is his ability to thrive in big-game moments. He has led Michigan to the College Football Playoff, showcasing his poise and ability to perform when the stakes are high. His leadership on and off the field is also an important trait that would make him a natural fit for a team like the Vikings, who have a strong locker room culture.
In terms of salary, McCarthy would likely come in at around $19 million on a rookie contract, depending on his draft position and the structure of his contract. The Vikings could target McCarthy as a long-term solution while giving him time to develop behind a veteran quarterback or an incumbent starter. His athleticism and ability to contribute immediately would be an asset, and with O’Connell’s system in place, McCarthy could flourish.
2. Trey Lance – San Francisco 49ers (Trade Target)
Another potential target for the Vikings is Trey Lance, the former North Dakota State star who was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021. Lance has shown flashes of brilliance but has been limited by injuries and inconsistent opportunities. His mobility and ability to make big plays with his legs set him apart as a dual-threat quarterback, and he has the tools to develop into a dynamic playmaker.
The 49ers’ offense, under head coach Kyle Shanahan, is one of the most complex and quarterback-friendly systems in the league. However, with Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold currently competing for the starting role, Lance’s future with the 49ers is uncertain. The Vikings could be in a position to acquire Lance in a trade, where he could compete for a starting job and develop into the quarterback of the future. His current salary is manageable, fitting within the $19 million range, and if the 49ers are willing to move on, the Vikings could find significant value in acquiring Lance.
3. Jordan Love – Green Bay Packers (Trade Target)
Jordan Love is another intriguing name on the market. After spending several years backing up Aaron Rodgers, Love has shown signs of promise when given the chance to start. Although his sample size is still small, his athleticism and raw talent are evident. Love has a strong arm and the ability to make plays on the move, fitting the profile of the athletic quarterback the Vikings need.
While Love has had some ups and downs during his limited opportunities, his potential is undeniable. If the Green Bay Packers decide to move forward with Love as their starter, the Vikings could explore a trade for the talented quarterback. Love’s contract is reasonably priced for a quarterback of his skill set, making him an affordable option for Minnesota, and his athleticism would give the Vikings an added dimension to their offense.
4. Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens (Free Agency or Trade)
While this might seem like a long shot, Lamar Jackson’s situation in Baltimore has been a topic of speculation for some time. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most athletic quarterbacks in NFL history, capable of taking over a game with both his arm and his legs. His dual-threat ability would elevate the Vikings’ offense to a level not seen before in Minnesota.
Jackson is set to command a substantial contract, but at a cap hit of around $19 million in 2025, there’s a possibility he could be available if the Ravens and Jackson can’t come to terms on a long-term deal. The Vikings, who have the cap flexibility and offensive weapons to support Jackson’s style of play, could consider making a run at him. If the Ravens decide to trade Jackson or let him walk in free agency, the Vikings should be prepared to make a significant offer to land one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.
The Vikings’ Path to a Dynamic QB Future
The Minnesota Vikings are at a crossroads in terms of their quarterback situation. Sam Darnold may serve as a bridge quarterback, but for the Vikings to truly elevate their offense and position themselves for sustained success, they need to target a quarterback who offers both athleticism and high-end potential. Whether it’s through the draft, trade, or free agency, the Vikings must find a quarterback who can make an impact immediately while providing long-term stability.
In the 2025 offseason, selecting an athletic quarterback—someone like J.J. McCarthy, Trey Lance, or Jordan Love, or even Lamar Jackson—would give the Vikings the opportunity to transform their offense and build a championship-contending roster for years to come. By investing in a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback worth $19 million, the Vikings could unlock their full potential and position themselves as a true Super Bowl contender in the near future.
