One potential 2025 Sam Darnold destination can be crossed off the list

The Super Bowl hasn't been played, yet there is already a lot of talk about free agency. One of the most interesting players scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason is Sam Darnold, who started at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.

It is unlikely that Darnold will return to the Vikings in 2025 since J.J. McCarthy should be healed and ready to take over the starting job. Plus, Darnold played himself into a situation where multiple teams should be interested in his services for the upcoming season.

That means a team with a vacancy at quarterback could see the 27-year-old quarterback as a possible franchise guy or long-term answer at the position. If that is the case, an expensive multi-year deal is in his future.

Although Darnold will have options where he will play next season, the former first-round pick of the New York Jets can probably cross a team in the NFC West off his list since it seems like they won't have a need for him in 2025.

One potential 2025 destination for Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold can be crossed off the list

Matthew Stafford turns 37 years old in February and it isn't known how long he will remain in the NFL. However, NFL Network and NFL.com insider Ian Rapoport recently shared on X that the veteran quarterback plans to return to the Rams in 2025.

Stafford is under contract with the Los Angeles Rams through the 2026 season, but there is a potential out in the deal this offseason. Since he is likely to stay with the team he enjoyed a Super Bowl LVI victory with during the 2021 season.

There are plenty other teams with an immediate need at quarterback that would be much more likely to offer Sam Darnold a long-term deal worth a hefty amount. It probably won't be the Rams that sign him this offseason, but he will be pursued as a starting quarterback after the successful year he had with the Vikings.

Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell coached under Rams head coach Sean McVay in Los Angeles. Plus, the Rams got a good look at Darnold twice in during the 2024 season, getting the better of him in both meetings.

The NFL can be crazy. Just because Stafford is planning to return to the Rams and Minnesota has J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings, that doesn't mean that Sam Darnold definitely won't be joining one of those teams this offseason, even if it isn't likely.