Pelissero thinks that returning to the Vikings is the “most logical” Sam Darnold outcome.

As the NFL enters another offseason, quarterback drama and movement are at the forefront of the conversation. For players who have faced as much scrutiny and instability as Sam Darnold, the quest for a new home or renewed opportunity becomes all the more intriguing. Darnold, the former third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has been a subject of much speculation over the past several seasons due to his time with the New York Jets and later the Carolina Panthers, where he showed flashes of potential but struggled to maintain consistency and live up to his lofty draft status.

As of now, Darnold finds himself on the open market once again, and the most recent whispers around the league suggest that a potential return to the Minnesota Vikings might be the “most logical” outcome. This opinion comes from Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, who points to the Vikings as a potential landing spot for Darnold in 2025. With the Vikings in a transitional period, exploring a backup or potential future starter makes sense, and Darnold, given his history and current circumstances, could fit well into that role.

This article will dive into why Pelissero’s suggestion of Darnold returning to Minnesota is logical, exploring the Vikings’ current quarterback situation, Darnold’s journey thus far, the potential fit with the Vikings, and how the dynamics of both the team and Darnold’s development align in the 2025 NFL season.

Sam Darnold’s NFL Journey: Inconsistent but Promising

To understand why Darnold’s return to Minnesota makes sense, it’s important to look at his journey so far. Drafted by the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold’s early career was mired by inconsistency, coaching turnover, and a lack of offensive talent surrounding him. Despite showing promise in flashes, Darnold struggled with turnovers and decision-making, and his performance failed to live up to the expectations that come with being the third overall pick. This led to his eventual trade to the Carolina Panthers in 2021, where he hoped to turn the page on his young career.

In Carolina, Darnold showed glimpses of what made him a high draft pick but continued to battle issues with accuracy, turnovers, and maintaining a level of consistent play. The Panthers, frustrated with his development, ultimately moved on after a short stint, and Darnold found himself in a backup role with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.

Although Darnold’s time with the 49ers was limited in terms of starting opportunities, he served as an insurance policy behind the team’s primary quarterbacks. His role was defined more by his experience and ability to step in when necessary rather than a starting position. Yet, throughout his time in San Francisco, there were moments where Darnold showed that, given the right system, coaching, and roster, he could still have a viable career as a starting quarterback. His performance in relief of injured starter Brock Purdy was met with some optimism, and his ability to perform in a well-structured environment in San Francisco suggested that a change of scenery could be just what he needs to unlock his potential.

Now, Darnold enters free agency once again, and the question becomes: where can he land? The most logical outcome for Darnold is a situation where he is able to compete for a starting job or, at the very least, be a reliable backup in a system that can support his skill set.

Minnesota Vikings’ Current Quarterback Situation

The Minnesota Vikings have been a playoff team in recent years, thanks to their strong offensive play led by quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins, now entering his mid-30s, has been an efficient and dependable quarterback but has faced criticism for his inability to win big games and for his sometimes inconsistent play, especially in the postseason. Despite these criticisms, Cousins has been a solid starter for Minnesota, with one of the most stable quarterback situations in the league.

However, the Vikings’ future at quarterback is up in the air. Kirk Cousins is in the final years of his contract, and while the team has made it clear they are not ready to move on from him immediately, the clock is ticking. The franchise will need to consider its future at the position sooner rather than later. As such, the Vikings are in a position where they may want to bring in a backup quarterback who can not only provide stability behind Cousins but also compete for the starting role in the event that Cousins does not return in the future or struggles to live up to expectations.

The Vikings’ backup quarterback situation in 2024 was Nick Mullens, a veteran journeyman who has bounced around the league but has not shown the ability to be a long-term starter. If Minnesota does not see Mullens as part of their future and given that Cousins is entering his twilight years, the Vikings may opt for a more talented backup option who could also be a viable starter if the need arises.

That’s where Darnold comes into play. With his previous first-round pedigree and potential upside, Darnold could serve as a high-potential backup who could be groomed to step in as a future starter for the Vikings. He could also offer competition and depth at the quarterback position, providing Minnesota with a contingency plan if Cousins doesn’t finish his contract or the Vikings want to move in a new direction.

Why Returning to the Vikings Makes Sense for Darnold

Given the Vikings’ current quarterback landscape, Darnold could find himself in a great position in Minnesota for a few key reasons:

1. Stable Coaching Environment

Under Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings have a head coach who has proven his ability to work with quarterbacks. O’Connell previously worked with Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles and helped him win a Super Bowl, and he has established a strong offensive system in Minnesota. If Darnold returns to the Vikings, he would have the opportunity to work under a coaching staff that is adept at developing quarterbacks and has created a system that maximizes the talent around the signal-caller. A stable coaching environment is crucial for Darnold’s growth, as his past struggles have been exacerbated by inconsistency in coaching.

2. A Competitive Environment with Opportunity

The Vikings are not in a position where they are guaranteed to win the NFC North or make deep playoff runs every year. While Cousins remains the starter, the team is not without its vulnerabilities. Should Cousins deal with an injury, or should his performance drop, Darnold could find himself with an opportunity to prove that he can still be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Additionally, Darnold would be competing in a division where the competition at quarterback is relatively balanced, offering him a chance to shine in a new, fresh environment.

3. A Strong Offensive Supporting Cast

Minnesota boasts one of the most potent offensive weapons in the NFL, led by wide receiver Justin Jefferson and running back Dalvin Cook. The Vikings’ offensive line is also competent, offering decent protection for the quarterback. For Darnold, a player who has never consistently been surrounded by elite talent, playing in an offense with players like Jefferson would provide a significant boost. The opportunity to play with such high-level offensive talent could help Darnold regain confidence and maximize his potential.

4. Backup or Bridge Starter Role

As mentioned, the Vikings could choose to bring Darnold in as a backup or a bridge starter, depending on Cousins’ future. If Darnold were to join the Vikings, he could have a defined role either as an experienced backup to Cousins or a player who could compete for the starting role in the event of an injury or poor performance by Cousins. For Darnold, this represents a solid opportunity to regain confidence and prove that he can be a long-term answer at quarterback for an NFL team.

What’s Next for Darnold and the Vikings?

The potential fit between Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings is clear: the Vikings need depth at quarterback, and Darnold needs a system where he can thrive with competent coaching and talent around him. The Vikings could benefit from a quarterback like Darnold who has the physical tools but needs the right environment to unlock his potential.

If Darnold joins the Vikings, it could be a low-risk, high-reward situation for both parties. The Vikings get an experienced quarterback with upside, and Darnold gets another shot to prove himself in the NFL. This type of situation could work out for the Vikings as they continue to look for answers at the most important position in football.

For Darnold, it represents an opportunity to resurrect his career, moving beyond the failures of his past teams and finding success in a system that might be more conducive to his skill set. For the Vikings, it’s a potential solution to both short-term and long-term quarterback concerns, while also giving them another weapon to compete in the NFC North.

In conclusion, Tom Pelissero’s suggestion that a return to Minnesota may be the “most logical” outcome for Sam Darnold holds a lot of merit. With the Vikings facing decisions about their quarterback future and Darnold seeking a fresh start, the pairing could be a smart move for both sides. The 2025 season could very well see a new chapter in Darnold’s career, with the Minnesota Vikings serving as the team to unlock his full potential.