Sam Darnold is still a good fit for the Vikings in 2025, according to NFL Insider.

In the world of the NFL, quarterback play often dictates the success or failure of a team. The Minnesota Vikings, who have long relied on a strong defense and elite offensive weapons like Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook, have seen their share of quarterback-related ups and downs. The 2025 season is set to bring a renewed sense of opportunity for the Vikings, and one of the most talked-about players on their roster is Sam Darnold.

Though Darnold’s career has been a rollercoaster ride filled with highs, lows, and plenty of questions about his long-term future, the Minnesota Vikings’ decision to bring him in as a backup quarterback in 2024 may prove to be one of their most important moves. According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, Darnold is still a strong fit for the Vikings in 2025, especially considering the team’s current and future needs at the quarterback position.

This article will explore why Sam Darnold remains a good fit for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, what makes him an asset for the team, and how his role might evolve over the coming season. We’ll also dive into the current state of the Vikings’ quarterback situation, Darnold’s potential impact on the team, and why many believe his fit in Minnesota may prove to be one of the most important elements in their pursuit of postseason success.

The Current State of the Minnesota Vikings’ Quarterback Position

At first glance, the Vikings’ quarterback situation might appear stable. Kirk Cousins, the longtime starter, is still under contract for 2025, and he has been a consistent and reliable presence for the Vikings over the years. However, despite Cousins’ effectiveness and leadership, the team has been unable to make deep playoff runs with him at the helm. While he has statistically been one of the more prolific passers in the NFL, his postseason performances have often been criticized for failing to elevate the team when it matters most. The Vikings have made it to the playoffs in several seasons under Cousins but have failed to secure a Super Bowl appearance.

As the 2025 season approaches, there’s growing speculation that Cousins’ time in Minnesota may be nearing its end. With the Vikings potentially looking toward the future, the need for a young, dynamic quarterback to complement their high-powered offense is becoming more pressing. Sam Darnold, who was brought in as a backup to Cousins in 2024, might now be viewed as a bridge option, capable of stepping up when needed, and perhaps even challenging Cousins for the starting job.

Sam Darnold’s Comeback Story and Career Resurgence

Before diving into why Darnold remains a good fit for the Vikings, it’s essential to understand his journey and the resurgence that has made him an attractive asset. After being drafted by the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold’s early years in the NFL were filled with challenges. He struggled with inconsistency, turnovers, and a lack of offensive support, particularly in New York. While Darnold was regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks from his draft class, his time with the Jets didn’t allow him to reach his full potential.

In 2021, Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers, but his tenure in Charlotte was similarly marked by highs and lows, and he struggled with finding consistency. Many critics questioned whether Darnold would ever live up to his potential and whether his early struggles were indicative of his future in the NFL.

However, in 2024, the Vikings took a chance on Darnold, bringing him in as a backup to Cousins. This move seemed to be a low-risk proposition for the Vikings, with Darnold offering veteran experience and depth at the quarterback position. As fate would have it, Cousins suffered an injury in the middle of the 2024 season, which forced Darnold into a starting role.

To the surprise of many, Darnold rose to the occasion, delivering solid performances and proving that he still had the potential to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. His growth under head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system, combined with his improved decision-making and chemistry with the Vikings’ offensive weapons, allowed Darnold to develop into a reliable option at quarterback. By the end of the 2024 season, Darnold had earned a reputation as one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the league, and some even began to speculate that he might be the future face of the Vikings’ offense.

Darnold’s Strengths and How They Fit with the Vikings

1. Improved Decision-Making and Poise

One of the most significant areas where Darnold has shown improvement is in his decision-making. Throughout his early career, Darnold was often criticized for forcing throws and making questionable decisions under pressure. However, under the guidance of Kevin O’Connell, Darnold has refined his approach to the game. His ability to read defenses and make quick, calculated decisions has improved markedly, making him a more dependable quarterback. For a Vikings team that has historically been built on a balanced offense with a strong running game and solid defense, Darnold’s ability to manage the game and make the right reads fits perfectly.

2. Strong Arm and Deep Ball Accuracy

Darnold’s arm strength was never a question, and his ability to push the ball downfield remains one of his most impressive attributes. With weapons like Justin Jefferson, K.J. Osborn, and Adam Thielen in the passing game, Darnold’s deep ball accuracy is a critical asset. The Vikings’ offense is predicated on explosive plays and taking shots down the field to keep opposing defenses on their heels. Darnold’s ability to connect on deep throws would allow the Vikings to stretch the field vertically and take advantage of their high-caliber receivers.

3. Mobility and Ability to Extend Plays

Another advantage Darnold brings to the table is his mobility. While he’s not the most dynamic running quarterback in the league, Darnold’s ability to extend plays outside of the pocket adds an extra dimension to the Vikings’ offense. With Dalvin Cook and other weapons in the backfield, having a quarterback who can extend plays and create time for receivers to get open could be invaluable. In 2024, Darnold displayed the ability to move effectively within the pocket and make plays when the protection broke down, something that had been missing from the Vikings’ offense in recent years.

4. Experience and Maturity

Darnold’s experience is an invaluable asset to the Vikings. Despite the struggles he faced early in his career, Darnold has had the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game, including head coaches like Adam Gase and Matt Rhule, as well as quarterbacks like Luke McCown and Cam Newton. In addition to his time spent in the NFL, Darnold’s maturation as a leader on the field has been evident since joining the Vikings. His calm demeanor, ability to handle pressure, and leadership in the locker room have been essential qualities that endear him to both coaches and teammates.

Darnold’s resilience and ability to bounce back after setbacks make him a perfect fit for a team like the Vikings, which thrives on accountability and team-first mentality. Having a quarterback with that type of maturity and leadership will only strengthen the Vikings’ locker room culture as they look to compete for a Super Bowl.

The Vikings’ Future at Quarterback: A Bridge Option or Long-Term Solution?

While Kirk Cousins is still under contract for 2025, the likelihood of him remaining with the team beyond that season is uncertain. The Vikings may be looking to transition to a younger quarterback in the near future, especially considering that Cousins has been unable to lead the team to a Super Bowl. If Darnold continues to develop and perform at a high level, it’s conceivable that he could emerge as the future face of the Vikings’ offense.

With Minnesota’s current salary cap situation, Darnold’s relatively affordable contract compared to other starting quarterbacks makes him a more viable long-term solution. If Darnold can continue to improve and show consistency, he could make a strong case for being the Vikings’ starting quarterback moving forward. Additionally, Darnold’s familiarity with the Vikings’ offense gives him a significant advantage over any incoming rookie quarterback.

Another possibility is that Darnold could serve as the bridge quarterback for the Vikings if they decide to draft a future quarterback in the upcoming draft. With several highly touted quarterback prospects entering the draft, the Vikings could select one of them and allow Darnold to mentor and develop the young quarterback over the course of the season. Darnold’s presence as a mentor would provide the team with a steady hand at quarterback while giving the new draft pick time to learn and adjust to the NFL.