NFL free agency is just around the corner, with a couple of interesting names set to hit the open market.
One of the most notable names in the free agency listing is Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. The former first-round pick is fresh off his first season with the Vikings, where he broke out and solidified himself as a viable NFL starter.
Darnold led Minnesota to a 14-4 season, including a playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
He originally signed with the Vikings on a one-year deal, worth $10 million, during his time as an NFL journeyman.
While Darnold played a strong role with the Vikings in 2024, a recent free agency prediction by Zack Cook at SportsGrid connects Minnesota's quarterback with a struggling NFC team.
Cook predicts Darnold to sign with the New Orleans Saints before the 2025 NFL season.
The NFL free agent market will offcially open on March 12.
Last season, Darnold posted 35 touchdowns and 4,319 yards with a 66.2 completion percentage.
In Minnesota's final game of the season, a 27-9 loss to the Rams in the Wild Card Round, Darnold recorded one touchdown and 245 yards, completing 62.5% of his pass attempts.
A move to New Orleans would have Darnold playing under first-year head coach Kellen Moore, who's widely regarded as one of the best offensive minds in the NFL.
Moore took over as head coach of the Saints after the organization fired Dennis Allen. Last season, the Saints posted a 5-12 record.
