BREAKING: Jets preparing for improved Sam Darnold Return to replace Aaron Rodgers put Forward

BREAKING: Jets preparing for improved Sam Darnold Return to replace Aaron Rodgers put Forward

Sam Darnold is enjoying a stellar season with the Minnesota Vikings but is only on a one-year contract and may join a new team in 2025 to secure a multi-year contract

Not much was expected of the 27-year-old quarterback this season after he signed a one-year, $10 million contract with Minnesota.

The Vikings selected J.J. McCarthy, Michigan’s national championship-winning quarterback, in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and fans were excited to see the rookie in action at the U.S. Bank Stadium.

Yet Darnold was handed a golden opportunity after McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury before Week 1. With the help of some brilliant offensive weapons – including superstar receiver Justin Jefferson – the Vikings have stormed to a 10-2 record in the NFC North. Only the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs have won more games (11) this season.

J.J. McCarthy fitness update leaves Sam Darnold facing big Vikings decision
Darnold has played a huge role in Minnesota’s success, but it’s still unclear whether he will stay. McCarthy is on course to be fully fit for the NFL season, while Daniel Jones – the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft – is now part of Minnesota’s practice squad.

So with that in mind, where will Darnold play his football next season? Does he sign a new contract with the Vikings? Or does he return to the New York Jets – the team that drafted him back in 2018 – and replace the 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers at QB? Other teams could also be interested in signing the former USC star.

Mirror U.S. Sports has asked its team of experts to answer those burning questions. Here are the results…

Matthew Neschis

Darnold will make his big return to the Big Apple, signing a three-year contract with the Jets. Similar to the role he was meant to serve with the Vikings prior to McCarthy’s season-ending injury, the 27-year-old will mentor whichever quarterback New York selects in April while starting under center during the 2025 campaign – only giving up the QB1 position when his successor is deemed ready.

Rich Jones
It’s a tricky one for Darnold. He’s played well, but any situation he walks into is likely to be far less favorable than the one he finds himself in with the Vikings. He’s had by far the best season of his career under Kevin O’Connell, and he’s likely banked up some credit. Even though they have high hopes for McCarthy, it’s likely Darnold’s job to lose next year.

This might be his only chance to cash-in with a big contract. But who would be willing to pay? His opportunities would be teams that aren’t exactly quarterback-friendly right now. A second chance with the Jets, remarkably, could make some sense. He’d certainly have far, far better weapons at his disposal than his first go at it, but going back to the New York circus might not appeal.

If I’m Darnold, I think I back myself to beat out McCarthy and make the Vikings spot my own. But it would be absolutely understandable to test the waters and go to the highest bidder, whoever that may be.

Jeremy Goldstein
The Vikings should ink Darnold to a multi-year contract with almost all of the guarantees coming in the first season. For example, Darnold can sign a three-year, $90ish million contract with a large signing bonus and around $30 million in frontloaded guarantees.

If he’s bad, Minnesota can move on after a season with practically nothing on their books. If he shines again, they have an above-average starting quarterback making less than average at the position

With the Vikings selecting McCarthy high in the first round of the draft, and ex-New York Giants quarterback Jones signing on the practice squad following his sensational exit from the Big Apple, Darnold should assess his options elsewhere in free agency.

Darnold could land himself a multi-year deal worth considerably more than what he’s on in Minnesota and head to a team needing a quarterback. The Jets need a starting quarterback with the Rodgers experiment struggling for liftoff, but whether Darnold is willing to return to New Jersey is another question.

Other teams include the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Giants. The Indianapolis Colts would’ve been in that category had 2023 first-rounder Anthony Richardson not got his act together.

The quality of the quarterback class for next April’s picking process will also play a part in whether any of the teams listed go for Darnold. Shedeur San