The Minnesota Vikings’ season may not have ended as they had hoped in the playoffs, but let’s not overlook the impressive 14-3 record they amassed during the regular season. Much of that success can be attributed to Sam Darnold stepping in as the starting quarterback, a role he handled with aplomb throughout the year.
But as the offseason begins, the Vikings have made a significant decision: they will not franchise tag Darnold, allowing him to enter free agency. That opens up the intriguing possibility of him landing with a team that could greatly benefit from his talents — the Miami Dolphins.
Now, you might wonder why the Vikings have chosen not to re-sign Darnold. The answer lies in their 2024 NFL Draft pick, JJ McCarthy. The Vikings invested heavily in McCarthy, envisioning him as the future cornerstone of their franchise. Unfortunately, his rookie season was derailed by a torn meniscus, sidelining him for the entire year. This injury not only paved the way for Darnold’s ascent but has also left the team in a bit of a dilemma. If McCarthy returns to full health, the Vikings will be eager to see what he can do, potentially opting to channel their resources into bolstering the roster around him.
On the flip side, the Dolphins find themselves at a crossroads after finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs. Their quarterback situation has been a point of contention, with Tua Tagovailoa flashing potential but also struggling with availability and consistency. Under head coach Mike McDaniel, there’s a pressing need for a quarterback who can maximize the talent on the roster and elevate the offense quickly.
That’s where Darnold comes into play. He had a standout season, racking up 4,319 yards and throwing 35 touchdown passes against just 12 interceptions. His familiarity with an offense structured similarly to McDaniel’s — thanks to his experience under Kevin O’Connell, who hails from the Sean McVay coaching tree — would smooth his transition to Miami. McDaniel’s philosophy, rooted in the principles of the Kyle Shanahan approach, aligns well with what Darnold has demonstrated he can execute successfully.
For the Dolphins, seeking a reliable presence under center is paramount. They need a player who can deliver results immediately, rather than waiting for a rookie to develop. Darnold, with his blend of experience and potential, could prove to be that plug-and-play solution that Miami desperately requires. If they can secure him in free agency, it might just be the acquisition that revitalizes their offense and helps them compete in a tough AFC landscape.
